Reuters: Macron updates France's nuclear doctrine - the weapon will not be shared
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to update the country's nuclear doctrine, affirming that France will not share its nuclear weapons with European allies.
French President Emmanuel Macron will announce updates to France's nuclear doctrine on Monday, emphasizing that the country will continue to withhold its nuclear arsenal from being shared with European allies. According to sources from Reuters, this decision underscores France's commitment to maintaining its independent nuclear deterrent amid ongoing discussions in Europe about security dynamics. The reluctance to share nuclear capabilities illustrates the evolving nature of alliances in a changing geopolitical landscape.
Historically, nuclear powers like Britain and France, along with other European nations, have relied predominantly on the military deterrent provided by the United States, which has long been a cornerstone of transatlantic security. However, recent fluctuations in U.S. foreign policy have sparked debates across Europe about the reliability and credibility of American-led nuclear deterrence. This situation raises pertinent questions about the future of European strategic security and whether nations like France should reconsider how they engage with each other and with the U.S.
Currently, France allocates nearly six billion euros annually to maintain its stockpile of 290 nuclear warheads, which can be launched from submarines and aircraft. This investment reflects not only France's commitment to its nuclear capabilities but also highlights the broader strategic landscape in Europe as nations assess their security needs against the backdrop of global uncertainties and shifting alliances.