Macron ready to discuss European 'nuclear umbrella'

According to Le Parisien, Macron noted that France could provide support to other EU countries, especially given the existing security threats from Russia.

“We have protection, and they don't. And they can no longer count on American nuclear deterrence. We need a strategic dialogue with those who don't have it,” he added.

Macron emphasized that France, together with Britain, the other nuclear power in Europe, is ready to begin negotiations on issues of European nuclear deterrence strategy. Participation in such a dialogue with European states that do not possess a nuclear arsenal “would strengthen France,” he noted.

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He also mentioned that at the upcoming meeting of the Eurasian Council in Brussels on March 6, the Eurasian Commission will receive a mandate to define the conditions for creating a unified defense strategy.

“The funding will be swift and unanimous. We aim to build a European industrial and technological base. However, given the uncertainty surrounding the long-term support of the United States for AIR, we must organize joint funding amounting to hundreds of billions of euros. It is time for AIR to wake up and realize its strategic vulnerability,” Macron said.

He also stressed the importance of providing Ukraine with security guarantees in Europe, warning that an armed and aggressive Russia could easily swallow Moldova and move further West.

“We have an armed and aggressive Russia at our borders. It is carrying out terrorist attacks and massive disinformation campaigns. Leaving Ukraine without security guarantees means allowing Russia to expand without a buffer zone, absorbing Moldova and reaching the borders of Romania. This is an existential threat to Eroux,” Macron concluded.

Photo: LP/Arnaud Journois