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Philippe Bertoux, the French Ambassador to Korea, is giving an interview to Asia Economy on the 16th. French Embassy in Korea

On March 5, 2025 (local time), French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a national address in which he stated, "France has decided to initiate a strategic dialogue to protect its European allies through nuclear deterrence," thereby raising the prospect of expanding the nuclear umbrella within Europe. The international impact of his remarks was significant, prompting the Kremlin to issue an immediate statement of criticism the very next day, March 6, saying, "There are still those who wish to return to the era of Napoleon."

Philippe Bertoux, the French Ambassador to Korea, explained in an interview with Asia Economy on May 16, "President Macron’s remarks reaffirmed the European dimension of France’s nuclear deterrence," and added, "France’s contribution to European defense?and more broadly, to the Euro-Atlantic region?serves to complement the contributions of other NATO member states and is not of a competitive nature."

Nuclear deterrence is a strategy that discourages adversaries from attacking simply by possessing nuclear weapons with destructive power, akin to a 'sword hidden in one's cloak.' On May 13, France reiterated through President Macron that it is prepared to discuss the deployment of nuclear weapons within the territories of its European allies.

With the United Kingdom having left the European Union (EU), France is now the only EU country possessing nuclear weapons. France holds approximately 290 nuclear warheads, which is fewer than the United States (over 5,000) or Russia (over 5,000), but ranks fourth globally. Despite realistic limitations?such as the observation by the Financial Times (FT) that "Europe may not be able to provide security on par with the United States"?the argument for European self-reliance is gaining momentum as the threats from U.S. President Donald Trump become more concrete.

Amid these developments, there are also some dissenting voices regarding the expansion of France’s nuclear umbrella within Europe, with concerns about a single country leading European defense matters. Ambassador Bertoux distanced himself from such debates, stating, "Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I want to emphasize a 'united Europe.'" The following is a Q&A with Ambassador Bertoux.

-President Macron has suggested that France’s nuclear deterrence could play a greater role in European security. What sense of responsibility does France hold?

▲In his speech at the Ecole de Guerre in February 2020, President Macron stated, "France’s vital interests are also a matter of European concern, and France’s nuclear forces, by their very existence, strengthen European security." In March, the President reaffirmed this and proposed to European partners the initiation of a strategic dialogue on the protection provided by France’s deterrence. France, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, must continually strive to promote international peace and security in accordance with international law, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the UN Charter. This especially includes upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, with the NPT as its cornerstone, and pursuing comprehensive, gradual, and verifiable disarmament efforts.

-There are observations that EU member states have differing opinions regarding a joint nuclear initiative led by France. Ultimately, do you believe there is the political will among EU member states to unite on this issue?

▲President Macron’s remarks reaffirmed the European dimension of France’s nuclear deterrence. The European discussions do not include the concept of a joint nuclear system led by France. I would like to clarify this point. The French President’s proposal to initiate a strategic dialogue with European partners on the role of France’s nuclear deterrence in our collective security is not intended to replicate or replace the security guarantees provided to Europe within the NATO framework. France’s contribution to European defense?and more broadly, to the Euro-Atlantic region?serves to complement, not compete with, the contributions of other NATO member states.

Your question mentioned that differences of opinion on security issues, especially European defense, may exist within Europe. On the contrary, I would like to emphasize the unity that Europe has demonstrated, particularly since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In early March of this year, the EU and its member states took decisive measures on defense, including the provision of joint funding to purchase and produce military equipment within European territory. This represents a historic step forward and demonstrates the fruits of EU unity.

-President Macron has emphasized the necessity of strategic autonomy. How does France plan to maintain its independence while continuing its long-standing alliances with NATO and the United States?

▲The independence mentioned in your question is, in reality, a matter of sovereignty and freedom of action on the international stage, which President Macron and his predecessors have always sought to preserve. I would like to ensure that there is no misunderstanding on this point. The issue facing Europe is not a binary choice between securing defense independently or cooperating with the United States. The real issue is whether Europe has the capacity to act autonomously and the strengthened means to contribute to its own security. This is something the United States, as an ally, has long called for. This is why France is committed to fulfilling its promises within NATO, strengthening its alliance with the United States, and reinforcing NATO’s European pillar. The European pillar involves joint production of equipment on European soil, enhanced cooperation, and reducing external dependence. These two roles are not contradictory but mutually reinforcing.

-There is analysis that North Korea is benefiting from the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war and may pursue even bolder international actions. How do you expect a Trump administration would address the North Korean nuclear issue?

▲It is up to the U.S. administration to determine its policy toward Pyongyang, but the United States has repeatedly reaffirmed its goal of the complete denuclearization of North Korea. Your question mentioned the benefits North Korea gains from military cooperation with Russia. Such issues must not be neglected. They pose a threat not only to Europe but also to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. France firmly condemns North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile program, as well as North Korea-Russia military cooperation and violations of Security Council resolutions. France pursues the goal of North Korea’s "complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization (CVID)." We are also committed to monitoring and fully implementing the sanctions regime targeting Pyongyang. France is also a founding member of the Multinational Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT).

-At the Paris AI Summit, President Macron emphasized the importance of ethical and sovereign AI development.

▲Ensuring AI sovereignty is key to reducing external dependence and developing AI that aligns with our values and interests. This goal translates into strengthening research capabilities, supporting startups, and promoting the widespread adoption of AI tools across the economy. Private investment in France’s infrastructure and startups amounts to 109 billion euros (about 170 trillion won), which is substantial. The European Commission has announced 200 billion euros (about 313 trillion won) in public and private funding for projects within Europe. This will enable France and Europe to stand at the forefront of global AI, while also applying our core values of inclusiveness, human rights protection, and democratic principles.

-France has based its efforts to attract and foster AI companies on nuclear energy. How does France pursue a balance between innovation and sustainability?

▲Nuclear energy is, by its nature, carbon-free, safe, and sustainable. As the foundation of France’s energy mix, it can supply electricity to the numerous data centers and computers required for AI in an environmentally friendly manner. France is perfectly positioned to meet these challenges. Conversely, in the nuclear energy sector, AI technology can be used for plant monitoring and predictive maintenance, optimizing equipment operations, and managing waste flows.

-In Stanford University’s latest "AI Index Report," Mistral AI’s "Large" was included among notable AI models. What business-friendly policies is the French government pursuing?

▲France is an attractive country for AI research. Not only does it have many public research institutes, but it is also the country chosen by numerous private companies?including Korean firms such as Samsung?to establish research and development (R&D) centers. France is home to more than 600 AI startups, including 76 specializing in generative AI and 16 unicorns (unlisted startups valued at over 1 trillion won). France produces more than 40,000 new AI-related graduates every year and invests 760 million euros (about 1.1891 trillion won) to strengthen the AI research and education ecosystem. The goal is to produce 100,000 graduates annually.

In March, Ambassador Bertoux spoke at the 'Blue Talk Conference' held at the National Assembly Library. Embassy of France in Korea

-South Korea is experiencing political uncertainty ahead of an early presidential election. If stability is restored, what issues would France like to discuss?

▲Amid international tensions, the interconnection between the two countries on Indo-Pacific security issues is increasing. As members of the Security Council, South Korea and France are working closely together regarding the Russia-Ukraine war and illegal North Korea-Russia cooperation. The two countries also need to cooperate on new technologies and various agendas, including AI, space, and quantum technology. Currently, the two countries are particularly active in maritime cooperation. After the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) scheduled for June, South Korea will co-host the 4th UN Ocean Conference with Chile. Furthermore, next year, 2026, marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, providing an excellent opportunity to strengthen the strategic partnership for the next decade. The commemorative events will cover all areas of bilateral cooperation, including politics, security, economy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

-Since your appointment as French Ambassador to Korea in 2023, what has been the most memorable or meaningful experience?

▲It is difficult to single out just one. However, the most impressive memory would be meeting Korean War veterans and their families. Early in my tenure, in July 2023, I met the late Andre Dachary, a veteran, in Seoul and Busan. Sadly, he recently passed away. I was deeply moved to see him weep in front of the graves of his fellow soldiers in the French UN Battalion. His words still resonate with me: "I shed tears of sorrow when I think of my friends, but I shed tears of joy when I see the remarkable growth Korea has achieved thanks to their sacrifice." As the two countries face many challenges today, I reflect on this memory as a lesson in life and courage, and as an inspiration for the work I am to do in Korea.