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.
