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In a major nuclear policy speech delivered at the naval port in Brest, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to increase the size of the French nuclear arsenal and cooperation with several European states including the possible deployment of nuclear capable aircraft.
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Also today, a joint declaration issued with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz laid out a framework for the two nations to cooperate on nuclear planning and joint exercises, the first of which will take place later this year. ICAN’s Executive Director, Melissa Parke said “Every additional nuclear weapon in the world and every additional country where they are deployed increases the risk that they will be used. These are indiscriminate weapons that are banned under the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This announcement from French President Macron is a direct threat to the peace and security of the region, and the world. France already spent $6 billion on its nuclear weapons in 2024 and it is unclear how much this unexpected increase will add to that exorbitant sum. This is not progress, it’s a nuclear arms race that no one can afford.” Expanded nuclear cooperation talks have started with Britain, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark, Macron said. These countries are all members of the nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty, which prohibits states from transferring nuclear weapons, or control over nuclear weapons to others. In the statement, President Macron also indicated that France would no longer be disclosing details about its nuclear arsenal. While transparency is not a substitute for disarmament, it is a risk reduction and confidence building measure that can help reduce the chance of accidental nuclear launches. |
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For further information and interview requests contact Erlend Haugen, ICAN's Digital Communications Coordinator, [email protected] +33 6 86464584 |
Further reading:
Almost three quarters of Swedes support joining UN Nuclear Ban Treaty and two thirds oppose hosting nuclear weapons – new poll finds
ICAN endorses Nobel Laureates’ Rome Declaration on AI and Nuclear Weapons
NATO leaders need to understand more nuclear weapons make them less safe – ICAN
Tonga becomes 100th country to join UN Nuclear Ban Treaty
Global spending on nuclear weapons increased 19% in 2025 to reach its highest recorded level at $118.8 billion
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