Europe’s Nuclear Future: Rethinking Transatlantic Deterrence

Join the Foreign Policy Research Institute’s Eurasia Program for a discussion on Europe’s new nuclear deterrence.

On March 2, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a landmark update to France’s nuclear strategy, announcing that France would increase its nuclear arsenal and deepen cooperation with Germany and other European states to deter attacks. The updated nuclear doctrine includes joint exercises between French nuclear forces and the forces of other European states and temporarily moving some nuclear warheads outside of France. While Macron did not explicitly commit to extended deterrence, a pledge to extend a nuclear umbrella over its allies, this represents a significant doctrinal change to French nuclear policy.

This announcement reflects dramatic shifts in the Transatlantic security relationship as the United States continues to retreat from its role as Europe’s primary security provider and Europe moves towards “strategic autonomy.” Join Emily Holland for a conversation with Astrid Chevreuil and Dr. Alex Bollfrass on the implications of this announcement for France, Germany, and European and transatlantic security.