French nuclear sharing. Will Poland receive nuclear weapons?

Currently, France, the United Kingdom, and the Russian Federation have nuclear weapons in Europe. Emmanuel Macron spoke on the issue of expanding the nuclear umbrella. He emphasized that the European security architecture needs to be rebuilt because it was created after the Cold War and for the needs of that time, which have since changed.

“We need to once again include nuclear deterrence in this concept,” the politician pointed out. France has begun a strategic dialogue with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European decision-makers. President Macron assures that the talks are conducted in such a way that the French nuclear deterrence capability can be translated across Europe.

The intensification of French diplomacy is directly related to the shift in United States foreign policy. As a result of Donald Trump’s actions, many decision-makers in Europe no longer consider the U.S. a predictable ally. The issue of European military potential, excluding U.S. involvement, is being raised. Some approach this concept with scepticism. For example, the leader of the German CSU party, Markus Söder, states that French nuclear capability is too small and can at best serve as a supplement to American weapons.

Preliminary talks on cooperation in the field of nuclear weapons were held between Sweden, France, and the United Kingdom. The discussions were announced by Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in mid-January. Sweden had its own nuclear program back in the 1960s. As a result, Sweden would probably have the greatest chance of quickly developing its own nuclear program. The concept could also include the rest of the Nordic countries. Danish parliamentarians speak of a joint nuclear program with Sweden, Norway, and Finland called “Mjölnir”.

Poland remains interested in having nuclear weapons on its territory. Currently, we do not have information about any potential talks between nuclear states and the Polish side. Analysts suggest that the deployment of American or European nuclear weapons in Poland is unlikely, given the possible reaction of the Russian Federation to such a “provocation”.