On Sunday, March 9, 2025, Hervé Morin, the former Minister of Defense and current President of the Normandy region, made headlines by expressing his openness to the idea of extending French nuclear deterrence to neighboring European countries. This statement follows President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks on March 5, wherein he emphasized the need to initiate a strategic debate about European allies' protection through France's nuclear capabilities.
This topic has sparked intense discussion amid the backdrop of the changing security dynamics due to events such as the war in Ukraine. During his interview on the Grand Rendez-Vous show, Morin stated, "On a toujours considéré que nos intérêts vitaux ne s'arrêtaient pas à nos portes, à nos frontières." This encapsulates his belief philosophy, indicating the necessity for France to recognize its national interests beyond its borders.
Despite his openness to the idea of extending the nuclear umbrella to Europe, Morin was adamant about retaining French sovereignty over its nuclear deterrence. He asserted, "Je ne veux pas qu'un jour quelqu'un se dise que ce sont les Européens qui vont décider de la sécurité ultime de mon pays," emphasizing his desire for nuclear decision-making to rest solely with France. His stance reiterates the importance of national security, especially when it involves the ultimate means of deterrence.
Morin's remarks come as regions in Europe reassess their security strategies, particularly with the United States’ fluctuated reliability as an ally. He explains, "Mais, jusqu'alors, ce sont les Français qui disaient que nos intérêts vitaux sont au-delà de nos frontières," reflecting on the historical views of France concerning its role on the continental stage.
He expresses concern about Europe’s interpretation of reliance on French nuclear capabilities; pointing out how countries like Germany are beginning to look toward France for ultimate security assurance, saying, "les Européens, et notamment les Allemands, qui disent : 'Puisque les Américains ne sont pas fiables... les Français pourraient être notre parapluie ultime.'" This mention underlines the shifting paradigm of responsibility and security within Europe.
Aside from his view on strategic alliances, Morin strongly contends all elements necessary for maintaining and potentially extending deterrence must come from French resources. He specified, "La totalité des moyens nécessaires à la construction de l'outil de dissuasion, doivent être des moyens nationaux. C'est le budget de la France qui doit assurer cela pour ne dépendre de personne." This becomes imperative as Morin calls for full funding through the French budget to construct the means of deterrence, ensuring national independence.
This sentiment resonates with current political discourse, as Prime Minister François Bayrou recently echoed Morin’s views. He stated emphatically, "La France ne peut pas partager la dissuasion nucléaire," highlighting the government’s unified stance on maintaining France's authority over its nuclear arsenal.
The discussions initiated by Macron and reflected by Morin suggest France is at the cusp of redefining its defense posture within Europe. The imperative discussions about who will provide security for nations within Europe could shift power structures, with countries potentially wary of depending solely on the American security umbrella.
Given the contemporary geopolitical climate, the stakes surrounding French nuclear deterrence are high. Morin's insistence on the necessity for France to remain the sole architect and financer of its deterrence reflects not only national pride but also pragmatic caution about geopolitics and international relations.
Looking forward, this debate about the collaboration among European nations concerning defense platforms and deterrence extends beyond merely nuclear discussions and delves deeply around the themes of national security, sovereignty, and responsible governance.
Echoing the sentiments of Hervé Morin, the future of France's nuclear strategy and its relationship with European allies raises important questions about how Europe can navigate its security needs without undermining national interests and self-reliance.