France

‘Dissuasion avancée’ is intended to give France’s partners a greater stake in nuclear deterrence, retain French command and control – and prevent proliferation.

Leaders agree on the need to reduce dependencies in defence, technology, energy and trade. But what are the priorities? And can they overcome their fragmented politics?

Although the deal sends a powerful political signal, it will change very little on the ground for Ukraine in the short term.

Gulf leaders’ Oval Office access has never been so good. They and others invested in the peace plan must use constant visits to the president to keep up momentum.

The EPC is helping to forge an awareness of shared European strategic interests. It should now set itself the clear task of redesigning Europe’s strategic security architecture.

The self-destruction of the traditional right represents a massive upheaval of Europe’s post-war political landscape. But a populist axis between the UK, France and Germany is unlikely.

European countries like France are seeking a more assertive Middle East policy. Gulf countries have new unity after Israel’s strikes on Doha. Together they might yet progress Palestinian statehood.

Friedrich Merz’s visit to the UK only a week after that of Emmanuel Macron symbolizes a return of the E3 format – France, Germany and the UK – as the driving force of European security.

‘Solidarity Levies’ are unlikely to generate substantial climate finance imminently but have potential in the long term. The political context is difficult, but there is scope for progress on the agenda in the run-up to COP30. 

The crucial conference in France comes after Trump ordered the US to pursue deep-sea mining with potentially damaging consequences. A moratorium is needed.

Britain’s nuclear capability depends on the US and France reserves its for national defence. How might they cooperate to bolster NATO’s ultimate ability to defend itself?

As Friedrich Merz becomes German chancellor, Emmanuel Macron may finally have found the partner he needs for France and Germany to reshape European leadership.

Now that Washington is potentially an unreliable ally, the UK needs to revisit its nuclear strategy. But going alone is costly, and partnering with France poses its own risks.

The E3 and Tehran have no better option than re-engaging. Failing to do so risks movement towards a weaponized nuclear programme, military escalation, or both.

Anxieties over US threats to stop protecting the continent are prompting various proposals to reinforce Europe’s deterrence posture – but many of these have serious flaws.

Simon Fraser, Gerard Baker, Marion Messmer and Sebastien Maillard join the podcast to discuss Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron’s meetings with Donald Trump.

Washington hosted a week of relatively friendly talks. But discussions of European security were not productive.

Birgitte Andersen, Lord Tim Clement-Jones and Alex Krasodomski join the podcast to discuss the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris.

Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz are politically weak and don’t get along. But the EU urgently needs France and Germany to emulate the golden era of François Mitterrand and Helmut Kohl. John Lichfield explains why.

Europe is facing crisis – in our winter issue, we examine the threats to Europe within and beyond. We also eye up what’s in store for the world in 2025: from Trump’s return to the White House to the likelihood, or otherwise, of a ‘pandemic treaty’ – and more.

Macron and the Socialist Party may hold the key to a way forward but continuing instability could impact the European Union and Ukraine.

Sophie Pedder and Shahin Vallée join the podcast to discuss France’s contentious budget and political drama, and the potential impact on Europe and beyond.

Stark recommendations in the report risk being thwarted by a European leadership vacuum – and a lacking sense of urgency.

The far right RN may have failed to take power, but France’s political institutions, its place in the world, its financial position and its fragmented society will all be affected by a hung parliament.

Far right parties’ vote share did not increase on the scale some expected. But in the long-term, their ideas may affect EU policy on migration, environment, security and enlargement.

If his party is severely defeated at the European elections in June, the French president will find it harder than before to shape the EU’s agenda.

During his trip to Europe Xi could find it hard to address the damage wrought by COVID-19 and Beijing’s stance on Ukraine. But he may exploit existing tensions with Washington.

Events in France and Germany show that policies to deliver sustainable food, transport and energy systems need to take far better account of the needs of rural communities.

Strengthening accountability, transparency and participation is essential to financing an effective transition to net zero.

There are significant challenges to member states of the European Union (EU) working together, and a growing gap between EU capabilities and expectations.