French President Emmanuel Macron has elaborated on his suggestion that Europe could seek protection under France's nuclear umbrella. In a primetime television interview, Macron outlined conditions for this proposal, emphasizing that France would retain the final decision-making authority and its defense capabilities must remain intact.
France and the UK are the only nuclear powers in Europe, but while the UK relies on American technology, France's nuclear deterrent is entirely independent. Established in the 1960s by President Charles de Gaulle, France's nuclear strategy was designed to ensure strategic autonomy, as De Gaulle believed American interests might eventually conflict with those of France. Currently, France possesses around 280 nuclear weapons deployable via submarines and aircraft.
Since President Trump's first term, Europe has been reassessing its security dependencies, questioning unconditional reliance on U.S. support. Macron has repeatedly expressed willingness to extend France's nuclear deterrence to allies. Yesterday, he provided further details, stating that while France's nuclear umbrella could cover other nations, it would not finance their security, and the final decision would always rest with the French president.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has shown interest in the proposal. However, defense expert Patrick Bolder noted potential challenges, including France's limited stockpile of aerial bombs and the risk of rapid escalation to strategic nuclear weapons.
Macron clarified that he does not seek to completely abandon U.S. support, acknowledging American troops' importance in Eastern Europe. However, he stressed the need for Europe to organize its defense within the next five to ten years.