The debate is highly sensitive and has only just begun. Amid a transatlantic crisis caused by the United States' alignment with Russia over the war in Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron on February 28 reopened discussions about extending France's nuclear umbrella to other European countries.

"France has always recognized the European dimension of its vital interests," said Macron on the sidelines of a state visit to Portugal. This statement was a response to an unexpected position from Germany's future chancellor, Friedrich Merz. On February 21, this fervent Atlanticist had announced his intention to "discuss with the British and the French whether their nuclear protection could also be extended [to the Germans]."

Germany's openness has yet to be confirmed, but it has given the French president the opportunity to push forward an idea that Paris has long supported – one that had previously faced only rejection and mistrust in Berlin. France's stance now seems to be echoed by other previously reluctant countries, including the Baltic States, Sweden, Romania and Poland. A French diplomatic source explained that "the question is being raised more intensely because of the growing uncertainty about the American guarantee and American commitment to NATO."

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