French President Emmanuel Macron said he was open to talks regarding Europe’s nuclear deterrence and that France may have a responsibility to defend other EU countries with rising security issues surrounding Russia.
Macron’s comments precede a crucial European leaders summit in London on Sunday to discuss a Ukraine peace initiative, followed by a European Union summit on Thursday. The sessions come against the backdrop of mounting concern over US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic strategy with Russia and his public spat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday.
During an interview with Portuguese television broadcaster RTP, which he posted on X on Saturday, Macron stressed that Europe must bolster its independence in defense and nuclear policy. “I am ready to initiate this debate if it contributes to creating a European force,” he said, noting that France has always had a “European dimension” in its nuclear policy.
Macron’s words immediately attracted outrage from far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, who categorically disagreed with the proposition of sharing France’s nuclear shield. “The French nuclear deterrent needs to stay entirely French. It should neither be shared nor be delegated,” Le Pen asserted during a Paris Farm Show tour.
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu subsequently echoed Macron’s stance while asserting that nuclear power is strictly under French authority. “Our nuclear deterrent is French and will continue to be so from design to production and deployment, with the sole decision made by the President of the Republic,” he posted on X.
While Macron’s remarks hint at a potential shift in European defense strategy, they also highlight the longstanding debate over shared military responsibilities within the EU, particularly as concerns over Russian aggression continue to mount.
