Macron "Starting Strategic Dialogue to Expand Europe's and France's Nuclear Deterrence"

"Nuclear Use Rests in the Hands of the French President"
Emphasizes Need to Increase Defense Spending... "No Tax Hikes"
"Must Prepare for Possible U.S. Tariffs"

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on the 5th (local time) that he will consult with European allies on using France's nuclear deterrent to protect the European continent against threats from Russia.

According to AP News and the British daily The Guardian, in a nationwide address broadcast on several television channels, President Macron said, "We have decided to initiate a strategic dialogue on nuclear deterrence to protect our European allies," adding, "We must make decisions without delay for the safety of Ukraine, France, and Europeans."

French President Emmanuel Macron is delivering a national address on the 5th (local time). Photo by Reuters-Yonhap News

President Macron stated that the use of France's nuclear weapons rests solely in the hands of the French president.

France, along with the United Kingdom, is the only country on the European continent to possess nuclear weapons. Earlier, Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and a leading candidate for the next German chancellor, said that Europe must find ways to defend itself without relying on American nuclear protection, suggesting that nuclear sharing with the UK and France or at least discussions on whether their nuclear defense could apply to other European countries should take place.

President Macron said, "I want to believe that the United States will be on our side," but also emphasized the need to prepare for the possibility that it might not be so, highlighting the necessity to strengthen defense capabilities.

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, he referred to the potential cessation of U.S. support, stating, "Remaining a bystander in this dangerous world is madness."

European Union (EU) leaders are scheduled to discuss nuclear deterrence and the defense of Ukraine and Europe at an emergency summit on the 6th in Brussels, Belgium. Regarding this, President Macron said decisive measures will be taken at the meeting, explaining, "Member states will be able to increase military spending without it being counted toward fiscal deficits, and large-scale joint funding will be decided to purchase and produce European-made weapons on European soil."

President Macron also said that France will "make new budget choices and essential additional investments," but promised, "There will be no tax increases."

On negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, he emphasized the need for a sustainable peace agreement, saying, "Ukraine cannot surrender, nor should a too fragile ceasefire agreement be reached." He added that France and Europe must assist Ukraine in peace negotiations and must not abandon Ukraine for the sake of peace.

President Macron explained his peacekeeping force concept, saying, "Once a peace agreement is reached, we must prepare to ensure Ukraine is not subjected to Russian aggression again," and that "the deployment of a European Union army could be included as a measure."

He added, "We will be there to ensure that peace is fully respected," and said, "Starting next week, we will meet in Paris with chiefs of staff from countries willing to take responsibility on this issue."

President Macron also mentioned former U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to impose tariffs on the EU. For Europe's self-reliance, he said, "Efforts must also be made at the economic level," and warned, "We must prepare for the possibility that the U.S. may impose tariffs on European goods, as it has done with Canada and Mexico."

He criticized the tariff decision as "incomprehensible for both the U.S. economy and our economy," expressing hope to persuade President Trump.

After his speech, President Macron held talks with Viktor Orb?n, the Hungarian prime minister known as a prominent pro-Russian figure among EU member states. The meeting appeared to be aimed at persuading Prime Minister Orb?n ahead of the EU emergency summit scheduled for the following day.