Macron wants French nuclear weapons for all of Europe – Joop

President Emmanuel Macron has stated that he is prepared to spread French nuclear weapons across Europe, including to the Netherlands. That is a major change in military strategy. Until now, the military doctrine is that France, the only nuclear power within the EU, may only use weapons of destruction if its own territory or vital interests are threatened. It is the second time in a week that Macron has raised the subject. The subject appears to be of importance during the European elections. His political opponents reject the proposal and believe that nuclear weapons should only be at the service of France.

The president is prepared to link the use of nuclear weapons to a “European dimension” of those French interests, writes Deutsche Welle. “I am willing to open this discussion, which should also include missile defense, long-range capabilities and nuclear weapons for those who have them or those that host U.S. nuclear weapons.” The Netherlands is one of the countries where American nuclear weapons are stationed. “Let’s bring it to the table and see what can really credibly protect us.”

There are fears in Europe that if Donald Trump wins the election, the American defense can no longer be counted on in the event of a Russian attack. Concerns about the latter are increasing. The mayor of the Latvian capital Riga has called on citizens to set up bomb shelters in their homes. The Baltic states are rapidly building bunkers out of fear that they will become the next victim of Russian imperialism after Ukraine.

Macron wants Europe to take better care of itself. In a speech about his vision, which he gave on Thursday at the prestigious Sorbonne University, he stated, among other things, that until recently Europe has outsourced everything to foreign powers in three essential areas: defense to the US, energy supply to Russia and technological progress to China. According to Macron, Europe must take these matters in hand.