Overview

• European leaders are debating the creation of a European nuclear umbrella, leveraging the arsenals of France and the UK, as confidence in US military commitment declines under Donald Trump’s administration.
• France, with 290 nuclear warheads, and the UK, with 225 US-designed Trident missiles, are seen as potential providers of extended nuclear deterrence for European allies.
• French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed strategic discussions and increased cooperation with European allies, though he insists final nuclear decisions will remain under French control.
• Russia, with the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, has modernized its weapons and stationed tactical nuclear arms in Belarus, escalating tensions in the region.
• The European Union has announced an €800 billion rearmament plan to strengthen its defense capabilities, including conventional and nuclear forces, to counter Russian threats and reduce reliance on the US.