France leaves open the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons in Europe

However, he stressed that any sharing of nuclear deterrence capabilities would not affect France's own defense capabilities.

Speaking in an interview with French television station TF1 on the evening of May 13, President Macron noted that the US has now deployed nuclear-armed aircraft in Europe."The Americans have bombs on planes in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Türkiye," Mr. Macron said.“We are ready to start this discussion,” he added. “I will define the framework in very concrete terms in the coming weeks and months.”

The conditions set by France

In the interview, President Macron made it clear that expanding France's nuclear deterrent to other European countries would be subject to certain conditions. He stressed that France, the European Union's only nuclear power, would not pay for the security of other countries and that France's own defense capabilities must remain intact.

Mr Macron also affirmed that ultimate control over the use of weapons would rest entirely with the French President.

According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), France will possess about 280 nuclear warheads by 2024. The country's military has the ability to launch them from submarines or use fighter jets to drop them from the air.

Britain is also a nuclear weapons state, with around 225 warheads in reserve. However, the UK's Trident nuclear submarine programme is closely linked to the US system and is dependent on the US for maintenance. This raises "concerns about Trident's independence", according to the UK think tank Chatham House.

Reaction from European countries

In March, President Macron proposed holding talks with European allies on French nuclear weapons that could help protect Europe.The comments come as many European leaders feel they can no longer rely on the US nuclear commitment to Europe, amid concerns about the threat from Russia to the continent.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also expressed interest in Germany hosting French nuclear weapons. However, at a joint press conference with President Macron in Paris last week, he stressed that this was “absolutely not a substitute for the nuclear guarantees that the United States currently provides to Europe.” Mr Merz has also previously stressed that Germany “cannot and must not have its own nuclear weapons.” Up to 20 US nuclear weapons are currently deployed at a German air base.

Poland, Denmark and Lithuania have also said in recent months they are open to the possibility. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in March that Poland was in “serious discussions” with France about being protected by French nuclear weapons.

The concerns in Eastern Europe are closely linked to fears of further Russian actions following the conflict in Ukraine. However, President Macron has been careful not to increase tensions with Moscow.

In an interview on May 13, he also said that France does not want to start a “Third World War” over the conflict in Ukraine. “We must help Ukraine but we do not want to start a Third World War,” Macron said. “The war must end and Ukraine must be in the best possible position to enter into negotiations.”