Russia a 'threat to France and Europe': Macron
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French President Emmanuel Macron plans to open discussions on extending France’s nuclear deterrent to European allies.
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France's President Emmanuel Macron at the European leaders' summit to discuss Ukraine, hosted by Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer on March 2, 2025. (AP)
In a televised address ahead of a special European meeting on Thursday, Macron labeled Russia as a "threat to France and Europe" and stated that he had chosen "to open the strategic debate on the protection of our allies on the European continent by our [nuclear] deterrent."
During the Thursday meeting in Brussels, EU leaders are expected to discuss nuclear deterrence, among other issues, as well as assistance for Ukraine and European defense. For decades, European NATO members have relied on US deterrence.
France must accept its "special status" as possessing the "most efficient, effective army in Europe" as well as nuclear weapons, according to Macron, who said he would encourage the French government to embark on a new investment that will allow it to raise private and public funds without raising taxes.
"Our nuclear deterrent helps us," Macron stated, adding that he would initiate discussions on extending the French nuclear umbrella to European partners.
Macron's move follows a recent demand from German election winner Friedrich Merz for a conversation on "nuclear sharing" with France.
"Europe's future does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow," Macron added, emphasizing that "the innocence of the last 30 years" after the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989 is "now over."
He divulged that Russia is already spending 40% of its federal budget on military spending, with plans to grow its army by 2030 with 300,000 more soldiers, 3,000 tanks, and 300 jet aircraft. "Who can believe that today's Russia will stop at Ukraine?" Macron speculated.
The French president emphasized that allies must ensure Russia does not attack Ukraine again once a potential peace deal is finalized. This entails giving "long-term support for the Ukrainian army" and maybe sending European soldiers, he stated.
The militias "would not fight on the front line, but they would be there, on the contrary, once peace has been signed, to guarantee that it is fully respected," Macron said, adding that a conference of army chiefs of staff from European nations who choose to participate will be convened in Paris next week.
US President Donald Trump has pressed for Europe to bear more of the responsibility of securing the continent, and Trump administration officials have suggested that the present level of participation may not last forever.
Macron also expressed confidence that Trump would reconsider imposing taxes on European products. Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on European goods, claiming that the European Union has purposely harmed trade with the United States, something EU officials deny.
