French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that France is ready to engage in discussions on the deployment of French nuclear-capable fighter jets to other European countries, similar to how the US shares its nuclear umbrella with European NATO allies.
There are conditions attached to this potential move: (1) France will not pay for the security of other nations, (2) security provided to other nations must not come at the expense of France’s own security, (3) the final decision will always remain with the French president.
This arrangement is reasonable, and France’s conditions are justified. However, Europe needs more than an extension of France’s nuclear umbrella. While it may suffice for France and a few closely aligned countries, it is not adequate for the entire continent.
What Europe lacks is a common nuclear doctrine – a point explored in more depth here: “The Case for a Pan-European Nuclear Doctrine”.
Though undoubtedly a controversial and challenging proposition, Poland may want to consider the possibility of becoming a nuclear-armed state.
As a nuclear power, Poland could contribute to a pan-European nuclear deterrent, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, while France would continue to provide strategic coverage for the rest of the continent.
A pan-European nuclear deterrent based on the Paris–Warsaw axis could form the core of a new European unification project – one that is essential for Europe’s survival during the current interregnum and for its role as a significant player in the emerging global order.
Anton Shekhovtsov is Director at The Centre for Democratic Integrity.
This commentary is reprinted with permission from the author’s LinkedIn site. See the original here.
The views expressed in this opinion article are the author’s and not necessarily those of Kyiv Post.