France is considering protecting European partners with nuclear weapons

France is considering protecting European partners with nuclear weapons

France will examine whether protection of its nuclear arsenal can be extended to its allies, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday. At the same time, he warned that Europe must be prepared that the United States may not “stay by our side” in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Strategic debate on nuclear deterrence

“I have decided to open the strategic debate on protecting our allies on the European continent through our deterrence,” Macron said in a live broadcast on his official social media channels. He stressed the need for Europe to continue supporting Ukraine and strengthening its own defense.

France's nuclear capabilities

“Our nuclear deterrent protects us, it is comprehensive, sovereign and French from start to finish,” Macron said of France’s nuclear arsenal. “That protects us much more than many of our neighbors.”

The responsibility lies with the president

“Whatever happens, the decision has always been in the hands of the President of the Republic, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he added. Macron also warned that Europe was entering “a new era” and that it would be “stupid” to react as a “bystander” to the threat from Russia.

American support questioned

“The United States, our ally, has changed its position on this war, showing less support for Ukraine and questioning what will happen next,” Macron said. He wanted to believe that the USA would continue to stand by Europe's side, but we had to be ready if that wasn't the case.

Increasing independence in defense matters

Although France is committed to both NATO and the partnership with the US, the country must “do more” to strengthen its own “independence in defense and security issues,” said Macron.

Invitation to a summit in Paris

He announced that he would invite European leaders to a meeting in Paris next week to develop a plan for a "sustainable peace." This could include deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine “once peace is signed” to prevent another invasion by Russia.

The role of Germany and discussions about nuclear safety

Macron's comments come after Friedrich Merz, Germany's likely next chancellor, called for talks with France and the United Kingdom - the two European nuclear powers - to expand their nuclear protection guarantees.

Discussion about European autonomy

Macron has previously raised the idea, saying on Portuguese television last month: "If my [European] counterparts want to work towards greater autonomy and a deterrence capacity, then we must open this discussion." On Monday, he told the French newspaper Le Parisien that "Europeans who want to deepen the dialogue with us [on nuclear deterrence] could ... take part in the French military's deterrence exercises."

The critical summit conference

Wednesday's speech came days after Macron met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a crucial summit. Starmer said a small number of nations are working on a plan to end the fighting, which will then be presented to the US. Macron gave more details about the plan in an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, saying that France and the United Kingdom have proposed a one-month limited ceasefire in Ukraine.