French President Wants to Build a European Nuclear Shield

In an interview with RTP on March 1, French President Emmanuel Macron said that if Europe wants to be more self-sufficient in defense and nuclear deterrence, the leaders of the old continent should discuss it.

"I am open to discussions if it allows for the creation of a European force. There is always a European aspect to France's vital interests in the country's nuclear doctrine," Mr Macron said.

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at a press conference in Porto (Portugal) on February 28.

Similarly, speaking to Le Parisien , President Macron also mentioned dialogue with European countries that do not have nuclear weapons. "We have a shield, they do not. And they can no longer depend on the US nuclear deterrent. We need a strategic dialogue with countries that do not have it and that will make France stronger," Macron said, estimating that it would take 5-10 years to build an independent European defense system outside of NATO.

In response, far-right leader Marine Le Pen strongly opposed Mr Macron's plans, including the idea of ​​expanding France's nuclear shield across Europe.

"French defence must remain French defence," Le Pen said at an agricultural show in Paris. "French nuclear deterrence must remain French. It cannot be shared, let alone delegated," Le Pen added.

French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu clarified the same day that President Macron's comments did not mean France was giving up sovereignty over its nuclear weapons.

"Our nuclear deterrent is ours and it will remain so. From the design and production of weapons, to the execution of the decisions of the President of the Republic (of France). It protects France's vital interests, which only the head of state can decide," Minister Lecornu stressed.

Macron’s comments come as the Trump administration has criticized NATO allies and threatened to withdraw troops from Europe, saying the continent must take care of its own security. European leaders are also scrambling to find a new approach to supporting Kyiv after Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky clashed at the White House.

France and Britain are the only two European countries to possess nuclear weapons. Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become Germany's new chancellor after his election victory, has called on Paris and London to expand their nuclear shield in an effort to increase Europe's independence from the United States.

The US has long contributed to Europe's security by deploying about 100 nuclear-tipped missiles on the continent, mostly at US bases in Germany, according to The Telegraph .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tong-thong-phap-muon-xay-dung-la-chan-hat-nhan-cua-chau-au-185250302091529633.htm