Norway to join France’s nuclear umbrella, in move away from US reliance

European countries are seeking to strengthen their defence capabilities ⁠amid doubts about US commitments and tensions with Russia

Norway will open talks with ⁠France on joining its nuclear ⁠umbrella, French President Emmanuel Macron and Norwegian ⁠Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on Wednesday, reflecting growing European concerns about relying on the US for security.

The move signals a shift by Norway, long a staunch Atlanticist that has relied heavily on Nato and the US nuclear umbrella, towards closer defence cooperation ‌within Europe.

Macron and Stoere announced the plan at a meeting in Paris, where they also signed a broader defence agreement which includes Norway joining a French-led nuclear weapons initiative.

Stoere said Norway’s primary deterrence would remain the Nato alliance and the US, but described France’s nuclear capabilities as “an important contribution” to the alliance’s overall posture.

“France’s capabilities are an important contribution to Nato’s deterrence posture, which is important ⁠for us,” Stoere said.

Under the plan, Norway would take part in what France calls “forward nuclear deterrence”, under which ‌European partners are more closely involved in French strategic thinking on nuclear defence.