Macron proposes to use France's nuclear weapons to defend Europe

French nuclear weapons could become part of European defence and the time has come to discuss this issue, French President Emmanuel Macron has said. In his opinion, "a credible European defence" should go beyond the protection already offered by NATO.

Source. This was reported by Reuters.

He reminded that according to French military doctrine, the country has the right to use nuclear weapons in case of a threat to its "vital interests". At the same time, Macron said, these interests are assessed in terms of the defence of the whole of Europe, so "we need to go further" and consider all possible options, especially in light of Russia's war against Ukraine.

"I am in favour of opening this debate, which should include missile defence, the possibility of using long-range fire systems, as well as nuclear weapons, with the participation of those countries that already have these weapons and those that have American nuclear warheads on their territory," Macron said.

He called for a discussion of all available means and an understanding of what would really help to securely protect Europe.

According to Macron, France will retain the specifics of its doctrine, but is ready to make a greater contribution to European defence.

After Britain's withdrawal from the European Union, France remains the only country in the EU with its own nuclear weapons. According to official figures, Paris has approximately 300 warheads.

Back in 2020, Macron called for a "strategic dialogue" on "the role of the French nuclear deterrent in Europe's collective security", trying to start discussions on this issue with Germany, which hosts US nuclear weapons. At the time, Berlin rejected the possibility of such a discussion. Paris repeated this proposal again in 2022.

In April, Macron called Russia "the main threat to European security".

"When we have a neighbour that has become aggressive, a neighbour that has ballistic missile capabilities, nuclear weapons, it becomes clear that we need to create a strategic concept for a robust European defence," the French president said, adding that "Europe must be able to defend what it holds dear, together with its allies, and if necessary, alone."

Background. On the eve of the European Parliament elections, the French president presented a programme to save Europe, stressing that "there should be no restrictions on assistance to Ukraine".