President Emmanuel Macron has stated that France is open to the possibility of extending its nuclear umbrella to its European partners, emphasizing that Russia poses a threat to all of Europe.France and the UK stand as the only two nuclear powers within Europe.
In his address to the nation, Mr. Macron highlighted the need for France to increase its defense spending and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
He recognized the concerns of voters regarding Russia and the disruption caused by the new US administration to the international order.
“Russia has become a threat to France and Europe,” he remarked, adding that “to observe and take no action would be madness.”
European nations are urgently working to enhance their defense budgets and sustain their support for Ukraine, especially after US President Donald Trump suspended military aid to Kyiv and raised uncertainties about the US’s dedication to its NATO allies in Europe.
Highlighting France’s unique position in Europe due to its nuclear deterrent capabilities, Mr. Macron expressed his willingness to discuss offering that protection to European allies.
He also noted that the final decision regarding nuclear weapons would remain with the French president.
The French nuclear deterrent consists of air- and sea-based systems, with Rafale fighter jets and nuclear submarines ready to strike at any given time, strictly under the direction of the French president.
During the early Cold War period, former president Charles de Gaulle established a nuclear deterrent intended to be fully independent of the dominant powers of that era, namely the Soviet Union and the US.
We need your consent to load this rte-player content. We use rte-player to manage additional content that may set cookies on your device and gather data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences
In his televised address prior to a pivotal European Union summit on defense, Mr. Macron indicated that France would increase its defense spending, although he did not specify the amount. He assured that no tax increases would accompany this, but that difficult decisions would need to be made.
He expressed his hope that the US “will remain at our side,” while adding that Europe must prepare in case that is no longer the situation.
Mr. Macron’s address occurs amidst a flurry of European diplomatic efforts to bolster support for Ukraine and to restore relations between the US and Ukraine following a contentious meeting between Mr. Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House last week.
France and the UK are working to finalize a peace plan with Ukraine, possibly within “days,” to present to the US, while also seeking to bridge the gap between the US and Ukraine ahead of potential discussions in Washington, according to diplomats.
Mr. Macron’s initiative to increase French defense expenditure faces challenges as his administration grapples with managing a complex budget deficit.
