Macron to set out how France's nuclear arms could protect Europe

"Macron has previously proposed to consider how France -- the European Union's only nuclear power -- could contribute to protecting Europe. He said this month he is considering a doctrine that could include "special cooperation, joint exercises, and shared security interests with certain key countries"."

"Reassurances from US officials that Washington's deterrent would continue to cover Europe under the NATO alliance have done little to quell European fears of fickleness under US President Donald Trump."

""It is clear that we will need to reflect together on how French and British deterrence can fit into a more assertive European defence," Bernard Rogel, who served as top military adviser to Macron, told AFP."

French President Emmanuel Macron will announce updates to France's nuclear doctrine at the Ile Longue submarine base, addressing Europe's growing security concerns as reliance on US nuclear deterrence diminishes. France, the EU's sole nuclear power with approximately 290 warheads, proposes contributing to European defense through special cooperation, joint exercises, and potential deployment of nuclear-armed aircraft in other European countries. European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, are engaging in confidential discussions about integrating French and British nuclear deterrence into a more assertive European defense strategy. This shift reflects widespread European anxiety about US commitment under President Trump and the need for independent defense capabilities against Russian aggression.

Read at The Local France