Macron: France plans cooperation with Germany on nuclear deterrence

(Patria) - For the first time in history, Paris plans cooperation with Germany on the issue of nuclear deterrence, French President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, TASS reported.

In the words of the French leader, "we must rearticulate nuclear deterrence".

"We are engaging in a strategic dialogue, obviously with (German) Chancellor (Friedrich) Merz and with several European leaders to see how we can articulate our national doctrine, which is guaranteed and controlled by the constitution, with concrete cooperation, joint exercises, and security interests," Macron continued.

He emphasized that "this is precisely what we are doing, for the first time in history with Germany".

"This dialogue is important in itself, but it is important because it is a way to articulate nuclear deterrence in a holistic approach to defense and security," Macron added.

In 2020, Macron said that Paris has fewer than 300 warheads in its nuclear arsenal. In March 2025, he promised to initiate discussions with allies about the possibility of placing European countries under the French nuclear umbrella. Germany, Denmark, Lithuania, and Poland have already signaled that they are open to discussing this topic.

The British Financial Times reported that US allies in Europe and Asia are exploring the possibility of creating their own nuclear shield due to the current US administration's course towards restoring ties with Russia.