The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, will present the country’s updated nuclear doctrine on March 2. The document will define what role Paris is prepared to play in ensuring the security of allies concerned about the reliability of the American “nuclear umbrella.”
Source: “Espreso”
France and the United Kingdom remain Europe’s only nuclear powers; however, within NATO, the deterrence of strategic threats has traditionally been based on the capabilities of the United States. At the same time, the policies of current U.S. President Donald Trump have raised additional doubts among European governments.
Washington’s rapprochement with Russia amid the war against Ukraine, as well as harsh signals from the United States toward traditional allies — including statements about the possible seizure of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO member — have intensified discussions in Europe about alternative security mechanisms.
According to available information, the French nuclear doctrine will continue to be based on the principle of minimal but credible deterrence. This refers to maintaining an arsenal capable of guaranteeing a response in the event of a first strike by an adversary.
In European political circles, it is emphasized that even the very discussion of alternative nuclear guarantees sends a signal to Moscow.
Currently, France spends about €5.6 billion annually on maintaining its nuclear forces. Its arsenal includes approximately 290 warheads, making it the fourth largest in the world among nuclear-armed states.