08.05.2025, Paris.
Military cooperation in preparation for the future war became the topic of negotiations between French President Emmanuel Macron and German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the French newspaper Sud Ouest wrote on May 7.
The threat that the United States might distance itself from Europe, including abandoning its defense, has raised many questions among European leaders, prompting them to seek solutions independently. Under these conditions, France has taken a leading role. It was Macron who raised the issue of being ready to place European NATO neighbors under the protection of France’s nuclear umbrella.
Newly appointed German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz met on May 7 with the French leader to discuss this issue in more detail. Specifically, he stated that he wants to hold talks with France and the United Kingdom — the two European nuclear powers — to explore the possibility of Germany benefiting from shared use of nuclear weapons, at least to ensure its own security.
“Strengthening the European pillar of NATO does not weaken the Atlantic Alliance. On the contrary, it increases Europeans’ responsibility for themselves. It is perfectly natural that all topics are being discussed, including nuclear deterrence, taking into account our history and specificity,” said the French President during a joint press conference with Friedrich Merz.
During their discussion, Macron and Merz also addressed strengthening defense cooperation. Special attention was given to the need to accelerate Franco-German programs and develop new capabilities, including the design and production of future tanks, combat aircraft, and long-range missiles, the French President explained.
Thus, as the publication noted, both countries have finally decided to coordinate and share their strategic analysis, as well as to launch a Franco-German defense innovation program that will enable the implementation of breakthrough technologies needed for the future war.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
