Macron open to discuss French nuclear protection for European allies

France is open to discussing extending the protection offered by its nuclear arsenal to its European partners, President Emmanuel Macron said in an address to the nation on Wednesday, Reuters reports.

Macron warned that Europe must face up to the “threat from Russia”.

France and Britain are Europe's only two nuclear powers.

"Our nuclear deterrent protects us: it's complete, sovereign, French through and through," Reuters quoted Macron as saying on Wednesday in his televised speech.

"But, responding to the historic call of the future German Chancellor, I have decided to open the strategic debate on the protection of our allies on the European continent through our (nuclear) deterrence," Macron said.

German Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has questioned whether NATO would remain in its "current form" by June and advocated talks with France and Britain about an expansion of their nuclear protection.

France's nuclear deterrence strategy has hitherto been defensive and meant to protect the country's own vital interests.

In his televised speech, Macron also said France would have to spend more on defence and would continue to help Ukraine.

He said that he wanted to believe that the United States "will remain at our side," while adding that Europe had to be ready if that was no longer the case.

"You are, I know, legitimately worried about the current events, which are disrupting the world order," Macron said.

"Russia has become a threat for France and Europe," he said, adding that "to watch and do nothing would be madness."

European countries are scrambling to boost defence spending and maintain support for Ukraine after President Donald Trump froze U.S. military aid.