Frances Macron to open European nuclear deterrent talks with allies – National [Video]

French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday he will discuss with European allies the possibility of using France’s nuclear deterrent to protect the continent from Russian threats, amid concerns over potential U.S. disengagement.

France is the only nuclear power in the European Union.

Macron, in a televised address ahead of a special European summit Thursday, described Russia as a “threat to France and Europe,” and said he had decided “to open the strategic debate on the protection of our allies on the European continent by our (nuclear) deterrent.”

He said the use of France’s nuclear weapons would remain only in the hands of the French president.

Macron’s move comes in response to a push by German election winner Friedrich Merz, who recently called for a discussion on “nuclear sharing” with France.

EU leaders are set to address the issue of nuclear deterrence, among other topics, during the Thursday summit in Brussels focusing on support …