Macron to propose expanded French nuclear deterrence for Europe

France’s President Emmanuel Macron is set to deliver a major speech on detailing plans to expand the country’s nuclear deterrent to European partners, signaling renewed interest in nuclear policy across the continent.

The address, to be delivered from the Île Longue peninsula in north-western France — home to the nation’s four nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines — will be the first on the topic since 2020, Euronews reports.

Macron is expected to stress that France’s offer would “in no way compete with the umbrella provided by the United States.” In 2020, he first proposed involving European countries in exercises with France’s nuclear forces, but the offer went largely ignored. Sources close to the president suggested that the changing global security landscape has now increased European interest, especially after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and US President Donald Trump’s return to power.

“This is in no way in competition with NATO,” the Élysée said, noting that the growing threats posed by Russia’s hypersonic missile program, China’s rapid nuclear expansion, and uncertainties over Iran have “generated growing interest among partners.”

Macron confirmed earlier this month at the Munich Security Conference that he has engaged in “strategic dialogue” with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other EU leaders on “how we can articulate our national doctrine” on nuclear deterrence.

France’s nuclear posture follows the principle of “strict sufficiency,” maintaining roughly 300 warheads — far fewer than the estimated 3,500 held by the US and Russia. “One element of our nuclear doctrine that is worth reiterating is our rejection of nuclear war. We are not engaged in an arms race… what is important is that our arsenal ensures our ability to inflict unacceptable damage,” the Élysée said.

France and the UK have increased coordination under the Northwood Declaration, creating a Nuclear Steering Group to guide joint exercises and political oversight, reflecting growing European interest in enhancing strategic autonomy amid uncertainty over US commitments and global security shifts.

By Vafa Guliyeva