Macron and Starmer prepare nuclear coalition amid rising European threats

The French President and the British Prime Minister are expected to sign the declaration today, July 10.

The two sides will agree to coordinate their nuclear deterrence forces and jointly develop a new cruise missile. This missile is intended to replace the existing Storm Shadow/SCALP models. The initiative is described as an "industrial defense agreement."

Macron emphasized that France and the United Kingdom bear a special responsibility for Europe's security amid rising threats from aggressive neighbors.

"There is an expectation in Europe that, faced with revisionist neighbors, our two countries have a special responsibility for the security of the continent," the French president said.

At the same time, experts note that increasing unpredictability in the US position — particularly regarding support for Ukraine — has pushed London to seek stronger backing within Europe.

British officials have expressed concern after the US recently temporarily halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine. This raised fears that Washington might not intervene if the situation escalates.

Coalition of the Willing

As a reminder, the Coalition of the Willing is scheduled for July 10 in London. The informal group brings together countries that have pledged to support Ukraine.

The meeting will take place as part of the UK-France summit, which London is hosting. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron will co-chair the talks.

The Coalition of the Willing includes countries that are considering sending their troops to Ukraine to deter Russia from launching another large-scale attack.

However, while the war continues, there are no plans to deploy European troops to Ukraine.

Separately, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated in a speech to the European Parliament yesterday that the EU cannot rely on others to defend Europe.