French leader eyes expanded nuclear deterrence partnerships by 2025

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to engage in negotiations with representatives from various countries by mid-2025 to discuss the potential expansion of France’s nuclear deterrence forces to offer protection to these nations.

President Macron made these remarks during a press conference after an emergency EU defence summit, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Macron explained that the decision is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Europe’s security framework and create new defence partnerships within the continent.

"Several of my colleagues have reached out to me, and now we are moving into a phase where our technical experts will exchange views. We are set to begin both strategic and technical dialogues, followed by discussions at the level of heads of state and government, with the aim of determining by the end of the semester whether new partnerships can be established," Macron said.

This initiative comes as the EU seeks to bolster its collective defence capabilities in response to shifting global security dynamics, particularly with rising concerns over international threats. Macron emphasised that these talks would focus not only on strategic objectives but also on technical details to ensure that the partnerships can be effectively implemented.

The French president further revealed that he had already started discussions on this initiative with Friedrich Merz, the likely future Chancellor of Germany, highlighting the importance of strong Franco-German cooperation in defence matters. 

On March 5, French President Emmanuel Macron announced in a televised address that France would open talks with its European allies on extending its nuclear umbrella over the continent, on fears that the US would withdraw its protection. In an increasingly insecure world more countries are asking themselves whether they, too, need a deterrent of their own.

In a related development, Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, remarked on the changing landscape of nuclear discussions.

“A few years ago this discussion about nuclear weapons would have been taboo,” Grossi said in an interview. “But now these conversations are taking place in some countries. It’s a constant erosion of norms.”

By Naila Huseynova