Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz have pushed the continent closer to a European army with a historic pact that includes the possibility of extending France’s nuclear umbrella to other EU nations. While Germany remains aligned with the United States' nuclear guarantee, France’s offer to broaden its nuclear deterrent raises questions about the UK’s role, given its own nuclear capabilities.

Such a shift would seem to underscore heightened security concerns in Europe, particularly with Russia’s growing aggression. The likely Franco-German agreement aims to strengthen EU defence cooperation, with a focus on operational responses to emerging threats. Discussions on expanding the nuclear umbrella will be central to the upcoming Franco-German security council.

As Mr Macron and Mr Merz move to forge a stronger European alliance, their actions could set the stage for deeper military integration within the EU - although any involvement from the UK would also likely be critical when it comes to nuclear weapons.

Writing on X, Mujtaba Rahman, managing director of the Eurasia Group, said: "The council will discuss, amongst other things, the possibility of extending the umbrella of the French nuclear deterrent to other EU countries, Chancellor Merz said.

"But he made it clear that Germany expected and wanted to continue the existing American nuclear guarantee."

He continued: "At the press conference, Macron spoke of “recreating a Franco-German reflex at the heart of the EU and a relationship which was more a “friendship” than a partnership.

"Merz said he wanted to “deepen cooperation” between Paris and Berlin and give “new impetus” to French and German leadership in the EU.

"Asked if the extension of the French nuclear umbrella would be discussed at such meetings, Chancellor Merz said he expected that it would be raised but made it clear that Germany still regarded the US as its nuclear guarantor."

Neither Mr Macron nor Mr Merz would either confirm or deny reports that they are planning a joint visit to Kyiv in the near future but hinted that the trip was under discussion.

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