rki.news
Sources: Xinhua
BRUSSELS, March 4 — France and Germany have announced the creation of a high-level nuclear steering group, signaling a shift in Europe’s security debate as Middle East tensions intensify following continued U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran.
The new body will examine the balance between conventional forces, missile defense systems and France’s nuclear capabilities, according to a joint declaration. The move highlights Europe’s growing focus on strategic autonomy amid an increasingly uncertain global security environment.
Speaking from the Île Longue naval base, home to France’s ballistic missile submarines, President Emmanuel Macron outlined plans to modernize and strengthen France’s nuclear arsenal while expanding deterrence consultations with European partners. He referred to a potential “European dimension” to France’s deterrence posture but stressed that nuclear decision-making authority would remain strictly national.
The initiative has drawn cautious yet largely supportive reactions. Poland has shown interest in deeper engagement, while Belgium confirmed participation in early-stage discussions. The Netherlands and Sweden also responded positively, with Sweden recently hosting the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
Analysts note that debate over Europe’s nuclear posture intensified after the Ukraine crisis in 2022 and has been shaped by uncertainty over long-term U.S. security commitments. Although NATO remains central to Europe’s nuclear framework — with U.S. warheads stationed in several member states — France is the European Union’s only nuclear-armed country, with more than 250 warheads.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned of broader instability linked to Middle East tensions, urging stronger resilience in energy and defense sectors.
French and German officials said the initiative is intended to complement NATO arrangements, with its long-term impact dependent on political consensus across Europe.