France: Macron is considering protection of allies with nuclear weapons

France’s President Emmanuel Macron is considering putting ally countries under the protection of French nuclear weapons. France’s nuclear deterrence has always played a role in maintaining peace and security in Europe since 1964, Macron said in a television speech in the evening. “But in response to the historical call of the future German Chancellor, I decided to open the strategic debate about the protection of our allies on the European continent through our deterrent.”

The sovereignty over the French nuclear weapons remains in the hands of France. “Whatever happens, the decision was and is always in the hands of the President of the Republic, the commander -in -chief of the armed forces,” said Macron.

The likely future Chancellor Friedrich Merz had stimulated talks with the European nuclear powers about a nuclear participation of Germany in the election campaign. In addition to France, this would also be Great Britain.

In his speech to the nation, Macron did not say what an expansion of the French nuclear protective shield to Allies. The question is whether, for example, French nuclear weapons in partner countries such as Germany could also be stationed. Macron did not go into any further when asked whether these partner countries then take part in the French nuclear deterrence.

Macron’s initiative for the involvement of partner countries in the nuclear deterrence of France is not new. In view of the Ukraine War and the U-turn in the US defense policy under President Donald Trump, the idea has gained new topicality.

As early as 2020, Macron had initiated an expansion of the nuclear protective shield of France to European partner countries for the first time in a much -noticed fundamental speech. “Let us make it clear that the vital interests of France now have a European dimension,” said Macron at the time. “With this in mind, I hope that with our European partners, who are ready to develop a strategic dialogue about the role of French nuclear deterrence in our collective security.” In addition to France, it has its own nuclear weapons only in Great Britain.

Macron will also be planning an international meeting for the possible posting of peace troops to Ukraine next week. “So that Ukraine is not attacked by Russia after a peace closure, we have to prepare it for it,” said Macron in a television speech in the evening. “Next week we will gather the heads of general staff in Paris who take on their responsibility in this regard.”

He added: “Ukraine has the right to peace and security for itself, and that is our interest, that is the interest of the security of the European continent. In this sense, we work with our friends in the UK, Germany and several other European countries.” Macron initially left open which other countries would be invited.

Macron called for long -term support from the Ukrainian army. Perhaps European armed forces would also be sent for this, he says. “These would not fight today that they would not fight on the front line, but they would be there after the signing of peace to ensure compliance,” said Macron.

Note: This article has been extensively updated.