Macron Raises Prospect of New European Nuclear Weapon

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he is ready to start discussions for nuclear deterrence for Europe in response to the threat posed by Moscow.

Macron told the newspaper Le Monde he was ready for talks about nuclear weapons for the continent following a request from the likely German chancellor, Friedrich Merz.

The French president’s comments on Friday follow reports earlier in the week that France was ready to use its nuclear deterrent to help protect Europe.

Michael Witt from King’s Business School, King’s College London, told Newsweek that France’s offer to extend its nuclear umbrella was in response to President Donald Trump signaling a retreat from NATO which meant Europe could not rely on U.S. protection.

Why It Matters

France is one of the two European countries with a nuclear deterrent, along with the U.K. Trump has cast doubt on the U.S. role in NATO and so a Europe-wide nuclear weapons capability signals the continent accepts it can no longer rely on Washington for protection.

What To Know

On Friday, Macron told Portuguese television that if Europe wanted “greater autonomy” in matters of defense, then its leaders should start a strategic and “open” discussion about a nuclear deterrent.

Macron referred to the threats posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in comments which follow a statement by Germany’s election winner Merz about “nuclear sharing” with France and Britain, and Europe exerting its nuclear independence.

The U.S. has an arsenal of around 100 nuclear missiles, many of them stationed in a U.S. military base in Germany but this security guarantee for Europe is under threat with Trump’s rhetoric.

Michael Witt, professor of international business and strategy at KCL, said France’s offer to extend its nuclear umbrella to Germany and Europe could solve the issue of a U.S. retreat from security support of Europe. But Germany must overcome its reluctance and take a leading role in funding the effort.

Witt also said that Europe must tackle its energy vulnerabilities, as reliance on external sources risks blackmail and weakens defense without U.S. support and that boosting domestic production, including nuclear, is key to this.

Boris Johnson, the former British prime minister, told The Telegraph there was a “moral case” for Ukraine to have its own nuclear weapon due to the danger posed by Russia which has issued numerous nuclear threats since the start of the war.

What People Are Saying

French President Emmanuel Macron: “If colleagues want to move towards greater autonomy and deterrence capabilities, then we will have to open this very deeply strategic discussion. It has very sensitive and very confidential components but I am available for this discussion to be opened.”

Michael Witt, King’s College London: “With Donald Trump signaling a retreat from NATO commitments and prioritizing American interests over alliances, Europe can no longer rely on U.S. protection. France’s offer to extend its nuclear umbrella to Germany and the rest of Europe presents the most viable solution.”

What Happens Next

Citing German diplomatic sources, The Telegraph reported talks on a European deterrent for Germany had not started amid discussions on forming a coalition government following last weekend’s election.

Macron has been pushing Europe to hold a debate on the role that French nuclear weapons can play in the continent’s defense, which could pressure the U.K. to follow suit.