France expands nuclear deterrence initiative to nine European countries
France nuclear deterrence expands as Norway joins Europe’s security talks See how nine countries are reshaping defense strategy against Russia's threat
France has added Norway to its nuclear deterrence discussion framework, bringing the number of participating European countries to nine. The initiative is part of a broader effort by European governments to strengthen their own defense posture as concerns grow about regional security and Russia's military threat.
The program, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, does not amount to a formal nuclear guarantee. Instead, participating countries take part in discussions, planning, and exercises tied to France's deterrence strategy, while France keeps full control over any decision involving its nuclear arsenal.
The expansion comes as NATO members face renewed pressure to spend more on defense. At a NATO summit in The Hague earlier in 2026, allies agreed to work toward a target of spending 5% of GDP on defense and defenserelated investments by 2035, reflecting a stronger push for European selfreliance even as the United States remains the alliance's main military power and nuclear backstop.