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President Emmanuel Macron has said he would hold talks with allies that France’s nuclear weapons could defend Europe, as the continent increases its efforts to defend against an embedded Russia.
In a television speech on Wednesday, Macron answered a phone call from the German Chancellor in Friedrich Merz about whether France and the United Kingdom would be ready to make a form of “nuclear division” if the US would become a less reliable partner.
“Our nuclear prevention protects us. It is full, sovereign and fully French, “Macron said.” However, in response to the historic call of the future German Chancellor, I have decided to open the strategic debate on the protection of our Continental European Allies through our obstruction. “
The case is likely to come to an Emergency Summit of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday that will focus on new ways of financing European defense spending after US President Donald Trump presss Ukraine to reach a peace deal with Russia.
The Trump administration has signaled that the US no longer wants to be Europe’s de facto guarantor through NATO, and on the contrary it seems to have a closer relationship with Russia.
The growth of Trump’s transatlantic alliance has shocked European countries that fear Russia will pose a long -term risk to Ukraine and the entire continent.
In response, Europe is preparing several different steps, including facilitating EU deficit rules that have again kept higher protection costs and presentation of improved regional cooperation for weapons and procurement development.
In the idea of France that extends its nuclear shield to its European allies, Macron was in pain to emphasize that any decision on weapons use “has always been and will always remain in the hands of the President of the Republic”.
In its nuclear doctrine, France has shown that guidance of “vital interests” when weapons can be used have a European dimension, but has never specified how – in order to maintain the uncertainty needed for effective obstruction.
France’s nuclear arsenal is much smaller than the US equivalent, and therefore cannot provide the same level of security for Europe as America does.
France will also be unlikely to provide agreements the US has submitted in its nuclear division agreement which is an important part of NATO obstruction.
The agreement allows some of the European members of NATO, such as Germany and Italy, to expect the US nuclear weapons on their land and hold fighter jets capable of keeping them.
However, Macron has long defended for a stronger Europe that is not relying on the USA for security.
“The future of Europe does not have to settle in Washington or Moscow,” he said. “I want to believe that the United States will stay close to our own. But we have to be ready if it wasn’t like that. “
Macron said European military budgets will have to grow to face new challenges, causing difficult choices over public spending.
“These will be new investments that require mobilization of private funds, as well as public funds, without raising taxes,” he added. “To achieve this, reforms, choices and courage will be needed.”
