French President Emmanuel Macron has announced his willingness to extend France’s nuclear deterrent to protect European allies, signaling a major shift in Europe’s defense strategy. His remarks come at a time of increasing concern among NATO members about the reliability of US security commitments, particularly under the leadership of former President Donald Trump.

During a speech on March 5, Macron explicitly stated that France would open discussions on extending its nuclear umbrella in response to an appeal from Germany’s incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz. The German leader had previously suggested that Britain and France should extend their nuclear protection to Germany in light of ongoing tensions between Russia and NATO over Ukraine. Macron’s move represents a historic departure from France’s traditionally independent nuclear policy.

Macron’s statement highlights the deepening anxiety in Europe about the potential implications of another Trump presidency. The French leader emphasized that while he hopes the US will remain a steadfast ally, European nations must be prepared for a scenario in which Washington does not come to their aid.

“I want to believe that the United States will stay by our side, but we have to be prepared for that not to be the case,” Macron stated, reflecting growing uncertainty over America’s long-term commitment to NATO. This uncertainty has been exacerbated by Trump’s ‘America First’ doctrine, which prioritizes domestic interests over foreign alliances.

Trump’s reluctance to provide unconditional support to Ukraine, along with his push for European allies to contribute more to their own defense, has fueled concerns across the EU. Unlike his predecessor, Joe Biden, who was a staunch advocate of military aid to Kyiv, Trump has sought direct negotiations with Moscow to de-escalate the conflict.........

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