Macron proposes to open debates on the defense of Europe with nuclear weapons

Nuclear weapons should be part of the European defense debate, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday, in comments that drew criticism from his political opponents ahead of EU elections in June, Reuters reports.

Macron has been vocal on defense issues of late, sometimes with controversial statements, and on Thursday he called for a stronger and more integrated European defense as he outlined his vision for a more assertive European Union on the global stage, saying “Europe could die.”

• “I am in favor of opening up this debate which must therefore include missile defense, long-range weapons firing, nuclear weapons for those who have or have American nuclear weapons on their soil. Let’s put everything on the table and analyze what really protects us in a credible way,” the head of state said, adding that France would keep its “specificity, but is ready to contribute more to the defense of European soil,” according to AFP .

In an interview organized by EBRA, he said a “credible European defence” should go beyond the protection already provided by NATO.

“That may mean deploying anti-missile shields, but we have to be sure that they block all missiles and deter the use of nuclear weapons,” he said.

As for nuclear weapons, while France’s doctrine has so far been to use them when the country’s vital interests are threatened, Macron has said he is open to giving a “more European dimension” to those interests.

“I am in favor of opening this debate, which therefore must include missile defense, long-range weapons and nuclear weapons for those who have or have American nuclear weapons on their soil,” he said.

His comments on Sunday drew criticism from opponents on the right and left of the political spectrum.

“Macron, a national danger”

“Macron is becoming a national danger!” wrote far-right European parliamentarian Thierry Mariani on the X social media platform.

“#We can’t wait for June 9 to give you a clear signal that his policies are over!” added Mariani, a member of France’s National Assembly (RN), led by Marine Le Pen, in a reference to the European Parliament elections .

“These comments are extremely serious,” said European parliamentarian Francois-Xavier Bellamy, who will lead the right-wing LR party in the EU elections.

Those at the other end of the political spectrum were equally furious at Macron’s comments.

“Nuclear deterrence cannot be shared,” said far-left French parliamentarian Bastien Lachaud pw X. “Under the pretext of defending European soil, Macron wants to liquidate France’s strategic autonomy.”