Macron to update France’s nuclear deterrence doctrine, watched by European allies

Allies are watching as President Emmanuel Macron prepares to update the country’s nuclear doctrine and spell out how French nuclear weapons fit into Europe’s security

PARIS -- European allies' eyes turn toward France on Monday as President Emmanuel Macron is set to update French doctrine on the potential use of nuclear weapons, in a keynote speech from the military base hosting the country's ballistic missile submarines.

Macron is expected to outline France's strategy and spell out how French nuclear weapons fit into Europe’s security amid concerns raised on the continent by recurring tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump over Ukraine, Greenland and NATO.

The long-planned speech was maintained despite the growing conflict around Iran, because the current violence in the Middle East shows the importance of France's power and independence to face down growing threats, according to a French official, speaking anonymously in line with the French presidency's customary practices.

European leaders have voiced growing doubts about U.S. commitments to help defend Europe under the so-called nuclear umbrella, a policy long intended to ensure that allies — particularly NATO members — would be protected by American nuclear forces in the event of a threat.

France is the only nuclear power in the European Union. Macron’s office said the speech is expected to build on his 2020 address on nuclear deterrence, delivered before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine reshaped the security landscape in Europe.