Macron Proposes Equipping EU with Nuclear Weapons for ‘Robust’ Defense

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President Emmanuel Macron has sparked controversy by suggesting the idea of a common European defense armed with nuclear weapons, leading to criticism from various political factions in France. In an interview, Macron expressed his support for opening a debate on this issue, including the use of anti-missile defense, long-range weapons, and nuclear weapons, either through existing arsenals or in cooperation with countries like the U.S.

This proposal has drawn condemnation from both right-wing and left-wing politicians in France, who argue that it undermines French sovereignty and strategic autonomy. The leader of the center-right Les Républicains denounced Macron’s stance, labeling it as a threat to national sovereignty. Meanwhile, the left-wing La France Insoumise group accused Macron of jeopardizing the credibility of French nuclear deterrence and sacrificing the country’s strategic autonomy for the sake of a European defense.

France, as the sole nuclear-armed power in the European Union following Brexit, has traditionally maintained a nuclear strategy of “minimum deterrence”. However, Macron’s recent statements suggest a willingness to expand the use of nuclear weapons in defense of European interests, raising concerns about the potential erosion of France’s independent nuclear policy.

While Macron has also indicated a reluctance to use nuclear weapons in certain scenarios, such as a Russian nuclear attack on Ukraine, his recent advocacy for sending NATO troops to Ukraine has shifted his stance to a more hawkish position. This evolving approach to defense and security issues has sparked debate and raised questions about the future of France’s nuclear policy and its role in European defense.

Kurt Zindulka
Kurt Zindulka
Deputy Editor.

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