Macron Proposes a Nuclear Umbrella for Europe: What Has Changed in France's Policy?
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the launch of a discussion on nuclear deterrence within the EU amid possible changes in U.S. policy and the threat from Russia.
Photo: Lula Oficial, CC BY-ND 2.0
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation, stating the need to revise European security policy.
He proposed discussing the possibility of extending France’s nuclear deterrence to EU allies.
Macron explained the initiative by citing changes in the international situation, particularly the U.S. position on the war in Ukraine. According to him, France, as the EU’s only nuclear power, must consider the security of the continent.
The president emphasized that the final decision on the use of nuclear weapons would remain with France.
According to media reports, France is considering deploying nuclear-capable fighter jets in Germany. This would serve as an alternative to the American "nuclear umbrella" if the U.S. reduces its military presence in Europe.
In Germany, the initiative was supported by CDU leader Friedrich Merz.
Macron also stated that the war in Ukraine should not end with Kyiv's surrender and that peace agreements must be reliable. He did not rule out the deployment of European peacekeepers in Ukraine after the conflict is resolved.
The president noted that Russia remains a threat not only to Ukraine but to Europe as a whole. He recalled Russian sabotage, cyberattacks, and election interference.
The Vice Speaker of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada commented on Emmanuel Macron’s speech on her Facebook page, delivered ahead of the EU summit in Brussels.
She noted that France’s leadership is becoming evident and that Macron’s statements on European security and support for Ukraine are crucial for upcoming decisions.
The French president stated that Russia’s threat concerns all of Europe and that peace cannot be achieved through Ukraine’s capitulation.
He also emphasized France’s readiness to discuss the use of nuclear capabilities to protect democracy.
It was also revealed that France and the UK proposed a one-month truce for Ukraine, limited to stopping airstrikes and missile attacks while allowing ground operations to continue. President Macron explained how its enforcement could be ensured.