The French president Emmanuel Macron has declared his willingness to initiate discussions on the creation of a nuclear deterrence system for Europe in response to growing tensions with Moscow.
In an interview with the newspaper Le Monde, Macron expressed his willingness to address this issue following a request from the future German chancellor, Friedrich Merz. His comments come after reports indicating that France would be willing to use its nuclear capability to protect Europe.
Macron mentioned in an interview with Portuguese television that if Europe seeks "greater autonomy" in defense matters, its leaders must initiate a strategic and "open" discussion on a nuclear deterrence system.
These statements come in a context where Russia's position, led by President Vladimir Putin, remains a central concern for European leaders.
The idea that France extends its nuclear umbrella to Europe is not new, but the current context is very different due to changes in international politics, especially with the administration of Donald Trump in the United States.
Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, mentioned the delusion that Ukraine should have its own nuclear arsenal due to the danger posed by Russia, which has issued several nuclear threats since the start of the war.
Meanwhile, Macron also declared that if his European colleagues wish to move toward greater autonomy in defense and deterrence capabilities, a deep discussion on the subject must be opened. Macron assured that he is available for this dialogue, although he warned that it would be a "very strategic" and confidential topic.
The idea that France, the fourth largest nuclear power in the world, extends its nuclear deterrence to Europe has been contemplated previously in history, but the current context is undoubtedly unique.
For the first time in NATO's history, the United States has taken a stance distant from its European allies. Trump, in attempting to end the war in Ukraine, has caused fears that Europe's war interests may not be secured.
Additionally, Trump seems more focused on the great challenge posed by China, which has led NATO countries to question whether the United States will continue to support Europe's defense in the event of an unlikely Russian military attack.
