France’s nuclear deterrence arouses unprecedented interest on the part of its European allies. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed that “serious discussions” took place “with the French about their idea of a nuclear umbrella above Europe”. A few days earlier, the new leader of Germany, Friedrich Merz, called to exchange “with the British and the French to know if their nuclear protection could be extended” to his country, recognizing that the French government had raised the question “on several occasions” in the past.
In response, Emmanuel Macron decided “to open the strategic debate” on the protection of the allies of France by its nuclear deterrence – which could therefore lose its strictly national character. It is a small revolution. Admittedly, this deterrent has always had a “European dimension”, as repeated by all the leaders of the Fifth Republic. But it is now a question of finding a way of involving continental partners. With a conviction: their security is also ours.
Because the allies are afraid: the outings of the new American administration make it fear that the United States will not defend them in the event of a Russian attack. It is not excluded that they withdraw from old continent their troops (100,000 soldiers) and even their atomic bombs. “Many European countries believe that Russia’s nuclear aggressiveness has called nuclear protection, insists Florian Galleri, author of a thesis on French deterrence since the end of the Cold War. But it seems less and less certain than Donald Trump is ready to add to Moscow, to risk its population to protect a European country attacked by Russia.”
Several forms of enlargement of French deterrence are on the table: participation of Europeans in French nuclear exercises; Squadron parking for strategic air forces in a partner country; Or even set up ASMPA missiles carrying capacities, for “sharing” like that offered, so far, by the United States to certain European nations. In these last two scenarios, crucial questions, including that of funding, will be decided. One thing will not move, however: the ultimate strike decision will remain in the hands of the French president. So many discussions that still seemed to be unthinkable a few months ago.