FOI expert: May be the start of European nuclear deterrence

Each French president holds a speech on nuclear weapons during his term of office. This was Macron's contribution, says Niklas Granholm. President Macron's speech last Friday was held exactly one week after Britain left the EU.

- It could be the beginning of a European nuclear deterrent. But we are not there yet, says Niklas Granholm, research leader at Total Defense Research Institute, FOI.

He continues:

- Macron makes the statement in a context where Brexit has occurred and there is uncertainty about continued US interest in Europe's security policy.

- After Brexit, France is the only nuclear power remaining in the Union. France therefore considers itself to have more leeway than before.

Macron's line talk on the French nuclear weapons doctrine is likely to lead to a renewed discussion and debate in Germany about the role of nuclear weapons, Granholm believes.

Germany does not have its own nuclear weapons, but US nuclear bombs (B-61) are stored in five countries in Europe, Germany is one of the countries. Now the French play will catch fire on the nuclear weapons debate there.

- Germany should also be part of this French initiative and be part of a deterrent and if so how is that going to be discussed, says Granholm.

Which countries might be interested in participating in French cooperation?

- It is hard to say. It is the invitation for discussion and dialogue for those who want to.

- I think some of the discussions have been born out of the uncertainty about US interest in Europe and European countries are getting reserve plans. This could be one of them.

However, Niklas Granholm doubts whether President Macron's proposal can be implemented. On Friday, Macron said he will continue "a gradual rebuilding of trust with Russia".

- If France wants a European deterrent, invites European partners and at the same time wants a strategic discussion with Russia, it is difficult to see how it will go together.