Emmanuel Macron Nuclear Doctrine Announcement In Paris, France

In a significant development, President Emmanuel Macron of France is set to outline the country's nuclear doctrine on February 26, 2026, amidst growing unease in Europe regarding the reliability of the US nuclear umbrella under President Donald Trump. Macron's speech will clarify that France does not intend to pursue shared European control over nuclear capabilities, a point underscored by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who warned that building an independent European nuclear capability would cost 'billions and billions of euros' and risk losing the 'ultimate guarantor of our freedom'—the US nuclear umbrella. France maintains a robust nuclear arsenal, with an annual expenditure of approximately 5.6 billion euros ($6.04 billion) to sustain its 290 submarine- and air-launched weapons, making it the world's fourth-largest nuclear power. The backdrop of this discourse is the shifting geopolitical landscape, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Trump's controversial remarks regarding NATO allies, which have prompted European leaders to reconsider their defense strategies. As noted by the Elysée, 'we are living in a period that is fundamentally conducive to nuclear proliferation,' reflecting a growing interest among European partners in enhancing their nuclear deterrent capabilities without competing with NATO's existing framework. This sentiment aligns with discussions initiated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about a potential European nuclear deterrent, indicating a significant shift in defense policy considerations across the continent (Business Recorder, February 26, 2026; euronews, February 25, 2026).