Macron outlines nuclear deterrence for Europe
France will focus on increasing its nuclear arsenal and use it to enhance Europe's collective security, President Emmanuel Macron stated in his speech on the update to the country's nuclear doctrine. He also mentioned the possibility of relocating French nuclear weapons to other European countries. Shortly after the speech, France and Germany issued a joint statement establishing a "steering group" for closer cooperation on deterrence.
Equipped for all scenarios
Macron's proposal makes sense to Jyllands-Posten:
“For decades, we were spared having to deal with the question of Europe's defence with nuclear weapons. But that time is over now. ... We should be prepared to contribute to what could, in a best-case scenario, be a strengthened European pillar within continued transatlantic cooperation – and, in the worst case, the first building block for our own common European nuclear infrastructure, should the US (contrary to expectations) decide to turn its back on its allies after all.”
The alternatives would be worse
The Financial Times praises Macron's offer:
“It is a significant step forward in Europe's efforts to take more responsibility for its own defence at a time when brute power takes over from co-operation and international law in shaping the global order, of which the US-Israeli attack on Iran is the latest reminder. ... Macron has recognised France's deterrent is indispensable for Europe's defence. The alternatives of an EU deterrent or national races for the bomb would be worse. Regrettably, Europeans can no longer complacently rely on the US to protect them at all cost.”
A boost for France
L'Opinion sees advantages for both France and the continent as a whole:
“Just as France no longer means much without Europe, the continent is no longer as well protected as it used to be without the American protective shield. It was therefore necessary to integrate a little Europe into the complex alchemy of deterrence - cooperation with our neighbours, but still under French control. ... For France, so often downgraded to the status of an over-indebted middle power, having (and retaining) this unrivalled and non-transferable power of nuclear fire is reassuring.”
Paris still the control centre
The taz's Paris correspondent Rudolf Balmer underlines that Macron is not about to relinquish control over France's warheads:
“Macron is giving the other EU countries only passive membership in the exclusive club of nuclear powers. This means that, in future, the French leader will continue to decide entirely on his own over deterrence and deployment. They could have a say in the expansion of the nuclear arsenal, joint exercises and manoeuvres, and - importantly - the potential deployment of nuclear weapons in other EU countries. So for the foreseeable future Europe will not become an independent nuclear power. And that is no doubt for the best.”