French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation earlier today, as countries in Europe prepare to shift towards a “wartime economy” amidst uncertainty over security guarantees and continued support from the United States. During his speech, Macron called for European counties to increase their defense spending and posture, stating that Europe must be prepared to go alone in the defense of Ukraine and the rest of the continent against Russia, “I want to believe that the U.S. will stand by our side, but we have to be ready for that not to be the case.” Macron also announced the start of discussions on France extending the protection of its nuclear arsenal to other countries, stating, “Our nuclear deterrent protects us: it's complete, sovereign, French through and through — I have decided to open the strategic debate on the protection of our allies on the European continent through our deterrence,” with this following calls from soon-to-be German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, for both France and Britain to begin expanding their nuclear arsenals for the defense of Europe. President Macron has called for a meeting of European Defense Ministers and Chiefs next week in Paris, where the topics of nuclear deterrence and European rearmament can be discussed, as well as the possibility of deploying a peacekeeping force to Ukraine to enforce a ceasefire with Russia. Finally, Macron ended the speech by calling for unity amongst the French people, stating, “The French nation needs you. Political decisions, military equipment, that is just one part of the puzzle. But it will never come without solidarity. Our generation will not be able to just live off the dividends of peace. It is up to us to sow the seeds for the future.”
