Norway in talks to join France's nuclear umbrella

French President Emmanuel Macron and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced on Wednesday that Norway has begun negotiations to join France's nuclear deterrence umbrella. The move reflects growing European anxiety over dependence on US security guarantees.

France and Norway have opened formal negotiations over extending French nuclear deterrence protection to Oslo, French President Emmanuel Macron and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced on Wednesday. The development marks a significant step in Europe's efforts to reduce its reliance on American security commitments.

The talks reflect a broader trend across European capitals, where policymakers have grown increasingly uneasy about the reliability of US defence guarantees — particularly amid uncertainty surrounding Washington's long-term commitment to NATO. France, as Europe's only sovereign nuclear power, has positioned itself as a potential alternative anchor for continental security.

Macron has in recent months signalled openness to extending French nuclear deterrence to European partners, framing it as part of a broader push for strategic autonomy for the continent. Norway's decision to enter formal discussions makes it one of the first NATO allies to pursue such an arrangement with Paris.

The negotiations come as European nations accelerate defence spending and seek new security arrangements in response to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and shifting dynamics within the transatlantic alliance. Norway, which shares a border with Russia in the Arctic north, has a direct stake in credible nuclear deterrence on the continent.