Nuclear Umbrella in Norway? France's Proposal on the Table

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced an increase in the number of French nuclear warheads. Speaking at a naval base in Brest, he emphasized that France's nuclear potential could further support the security of European countries. Paris has invited several European nations to talks about a joint deterrence system, including Norway.

Emmanuel Macron has presented a plan to strengthen France's nuclear arsenal. France currently possesses about 300 nuclear warheads. They are not part of NATO's nuclear deterrence system in Europe. However, Paris is signaling the possibility of broader use of its potential. The French president has invited European partners to talks about a joint nuclear umbrella.

The proposal concerns increasing France's contribution to the security of European states. According to Macron, French nuclear forces can play an additional deterrent role. The talks are to focus on cooperation with interested countries. The initiative comes at a time of heightened security tensions in Europe, with Russia's war against Ukraine in the background.

Conservative Party leader Ine Eriksen Søreide told VG that the party views the French initiative positively. She emphasized that talks with European allies are necessary. According to her, nuclear weapons have been an element of Europe's security system for decades. Søreide also reminded that NATO remains a nuclear alliance. This principle applies as long as nuclear weapons exist.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide confirmed that Oslo had previously been contacted by the French authorities. The government has not rejected the invitation to talks but has announced a thorough analysis of the proposal. Eide stressed in parliament that Norway's nuclear policy remains unchanged. Norway does not agree to the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory during peacetime.

Talks about nuclear cooperation may be included in the negotiated strategic defense agreement between Norway and France. Oslo is also entering into similar agreements with other European countries. The foreign minister announced the development of cooperation with, among others, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland. At the same time, the importance of Nordic cooperation is growing after Finland and Sweden joined NATO.