Macron and Starmer: Historic nuclear agreement on Thursday in London!

Macron and Starmer: Historic nuclear agreement on Thursday in London!

On July 10, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in London to become the first European head of state since Brexit to strengthen relations between France and Great Britain. On the occasion of his visit, the two countries plan to sign a joint declaration on coordinating nuclear deterrence. This agreement is intended to serve as a response to the “extreme threat to Europe” and confirms that the deterrents of both states can be used in a nationally controlled but coordinated manner. The signing of the agreement will take place on Thursday at a meeting between Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which will also be attended by ministers from both countries vienna.at reported.

The state visit is part of a broader agenda that includes issues such as the Ukraine crisis, defense and cross-Channel migration. Macron also talks about the British-French alliance and the need for a stable world order. He wants to “refresh” defense ties between the two nations, highlighting the long history of defense cooperation, such as tagesschau.de added.

State visit full of symbolism

Macron will be welcomed with full honors, including cannon shots and the presence of King Charles and Queen Camilla at the renovated Buckingham Palace. At a later reception, Macron and his wife viewed works of art related to France, such as a snuff box by Marie Antoinette. His speech in the British Parliament is particularly noteworthy, causing laughter and applause. In addition, a Bayeux tapestry will be exhibited at the British Museum in autumn 2026.

The state visit is seen as a crucial moment in deepening relations between Britain and the EU. However, the sensitive issue of illegal boat crossings across the English Channel will also be raised during the negotiations. Over 20,000 people have attempted the crossing this year, an increase of nearly 50 percent compared to last year, and at least 14 people have died. Britain is calling on France to take more decisive action against illegal immigration.

Nuclear deterrence in focus

The discussed conclusion of the agreement on nuclear deterrence comes against the background of a changing security policy landscape in Europe. The uncertainties about the reliability of the USA as an ally, especially since Donald Trump's presidency, raise questions about NATO and nuclear deterrence. The need for European independence, especially for countries like France, is becoming increasingly urgent, as the discussion about alternative nuclear security guarantees shows. France has 290 nuclear warheads and has strategic but not tactical nuclear weapons that are independent of US components tagesschau.de.

In this new security policy reality, the agreement between Great Britain and France is seen as an important signal. The two states rely on a coordinated defense to meet common challenges. This could serve as a basis to enable greater cooperation in nuclear and conventional defense while increasing pressure on Russia and other potential threats in Europe.