UEF STATEMENT ON FRENCH ADVANCED NUCLEAR DETERRENCE

President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to extend France’s nuclear deterrence to European partners offers a significant political signal towards the establishment of a common European defence outside the NATO framework, even if it stops far short of creating a fully shared European nuclear force.  The French proposal is a response to the relaunch of Russian and Chinese nuclear forces but also to US ambiguous stance towards European security.

With this proposal, France has declared that the overall continental security affects its vital national interests and therefore offers to integrate the interests of other European partners in its strategic reflection, including common consultations on threats; joint work on intelligence and detection, air defence, and deep-strike capabilities; the possibility to participate in nuclear military exercises; and the deployment of nuclear-armed French air forces in other European countries to enhance forward deterrence.

In addition, while the French-German joint statement of 2 March states that advanced deterrence it is meant to strengthen the NATO nuclear mission, and the “systems of collective security” of both the Atlantic Alliance (article 5 of the Treaty of Washington) and of the EU (article 42.7 Treaty on the European Union), the proposal would create a second, independent, and NATO-consistent layer of European nuclear deterrence. Both France and Germany emphasize that this plan respects the Treaty on Non-Proliferation.

On the other hand, President Macron has ruled out any allied participation in planning, implementation or decision about the use of the French nuclear arsenal. It will remain strictly under national command and control, with the President of the Republic retaining sole authority over its use. In legal terms, the force de frappe remains entirely French.

Macron has also stressed that advance deterrence is not an explicit security guarantee. Any extension of deterrence would remain deliberately ambiguous, preserving the flexibility that is central to the current nuclear strategy. As a result, partner states would gain political assurance and strategic dialogue, but not a codified, legally binding nuclear guarantee.

These two limitations constitute the price that Europe as a whole is paying because of decades of missed opportunities to integrate and strengthen its defence cooperation while national governments did not address the issue of creating shared sovereignty in time by thoroughly reforming its institutions, despite the process undertaken in this regard by the Conference on the Future of Europe and the proposals drawn up in the European Parliament in recent years.

Even in the current intergovernmental framework, however, and with the noted restrictions, this major move will not only benefit France but potentially all EU Member States, by offering a second, European layer of nuclear deterrence.

Therefore, the Union of European Federalists welcomes that some EU member states already accepted the French proposal of advanced deterrence and calls on all the others to do so, with a view of integrating it in the Common Defence envisioned on article 42 of the Treaty of the European Union, through Permanent Structured Cooperation.  In this regard, the UEF recalls its policy proposal for a Common European Defense System published in March 2025, which supported already the “Europeanisation of French uclear capabilities with shared financing from willing EU member States”.

This can be the very first step towards pooling warheads and the establishment of a European multinational force comparable to NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements, a common European nuclear budget, and share decision-making power, with an EU “nuclear button,” eventually with the transfer of operational control to the European Union.

UEF also calls all Member States and EU institutions to support our proposal on a common European defence, consisting of the national armies of the Member States and a 28th European Army, coordinated in a common structure, compatible with NATO and serving as its European Pillar.

For this purpose - since European security requires to move towards collective burden-sharing, from intelligence gathering to budget allocating, and therefore the democratic governance of this evolution - the answer lies in a parallel progressive federalization of matters of European interest, so that European citizens can decide their future and the means to reach for it, through their European Parliament and executive.

The UEF share also the French president's view that the ultimate goal is a world without nuclear arms. This is a goal that can only be fully achieved through a world federation, but a sovereign Europe could already contribute to bringing this goal closer by committing itself to building a cooperative world order based on shared rules, in which diplomacy and international law once again become the instruments for pursuing international political objectives.

Euractiv has published today an opinion editorial written by our President, Domenec Ruiz Devesa:

https://www.euractiv.com/opinion/orbans-abuse-of-the-veto-must-not-be-tolerated

The article reminds that, while in the medium term a reform of the Treaties and progress towards a European federation will be necessary to remove the veto right, the existing Treaties already provide tools that can be used in the short term to limit abuses of the veto and prevent the European Union from being constantly paralysed.

In the article, Devesa argues that the abuse of the veto cannot be tolerated and recalls that the EU Treaties clearly establish the principle of sincere cooperation. Article 4(3) of the Treaty on European Union stipulates that Member States must facilitate the achievement of the Union’s tasks, while Article 24(3) requires them to support the Union’s external action actively and unreservedly, in a spirit of loyalty and mutual solidarity. These obligations are legally binding, as repeatedly affirmed by the Court of Justice, and EU institutions should act together to address violations of these principles.

The op-ed has also been shared on our social media channels. We encourage you to amplify it and share it through your networks:

In the fourth year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, European Federalists took to the streets in 17 cities across Europe to send one clear message: Ukraine is not alone.

From Berlin to Vienna, from Brussels to Rome — and in Bremen, Paris, Strasbourg, Luxembourg, Munich, Lyon, Bucharest, Budapest, Florence, Genoa, Verona, Vicenza and Pavia — our movement showed up, united and determined.

One shared commitment: Ukraine’s future belongs in the heart of Europe.

For freedom. For peace. For a stronger, more united Europe.

Belgium Brussels - UEF
Berlin Germany - UEF
Budapest Hungary - UEF
Genova Italy - UEF
Luxembourg - UEF
Pavia Italy - UEF
Rome Italy - UEF

The European Letter is back.

The return of power politics under the new American administration forces Europe into a dramatic awakening: in order to preserve seventy years of European integration, safeguard democracy on the Old Continent, and attempt to avert global destabilization, the Union is compelled to confront emergencies using the limited instruments it already possesses, from the issuance of common debt to the mobilization of multinational forces. However, Europe’s chronic weakness cannot be overcome, nor can its survival be guaranteed, without a decisive political leap: integration must evolve toward the creation of a genuine federation.

The European Letter is published in 7 languages - from the edition 77 - under the auspices of the Luciano Bolis European Foundation in cooperation with the Union of European Federalists.

The European Letter is a periodical publication started in 1997 with the aim of stimulating political debate in national parliaments and governments, and in the European Parliament.

The European Letter 88 entitled "Only Europe Can Save Itself", is sent to parliamentarians in the following legislative bodies:

Here the version avaiable:

Brussels, February 6, 2026

As Europe is facing existential challenges and a rapidly eroding multilateral order, we, the Spinelli Group, the group of federalist-minded MEPs within the European Parliament, today released a powerful manifesto outlining a vision for a sovereign, deepened, and federal Europe. This document rallies all those who envision a Europe that acts decisively, defends its values, and shapes its own destiny.

The manifesto calls for:

“This is Europe’s make-it-or-break-it moment.” the Group declares, “We choose a fully sovereign Union with a high level of autonomy, we choose a Europe that is a geopolitical power.”

The Spinelli Group invites all Members of the European Parliament who share this vision to join forces and help strengthen the group, as a pro-European platform within the Parliament. Together, we can turn this Manifesto into action. The European Moment is now.

Read here the full Manifesto: LINK

Read here the presentation of the Spinelli Group: LINK

If you are a member of the European Parliament, join the Spinelli Group by writing to: secretariat@federalists.eu or gabriele.bischoff@europarl.europa.eu

The Union of European Federalists Secretariat on behalf of the Spinelli Group

The European Moment is Now_SG Manifesto_ENG_2Download

This is article on Politico is written by our President Domenec Ruiz Devesa as senior researcher at Barcelona Centre for International Affairs and Emiliano Alessandri is an affiliated researcher at Austrian Institute for International Affairs.

READ HERE IN POLITICO

The article argues that Mark Rutte is wrong to claim that Europe cannot defend itself without the United States. According to the authors, such statements risk turning Europe’s dependence on the US into a political doctrine rather than encouraging Europe to strengthen its own defence capabilities.

It highlights that US foreign policy is gradually shifting away from Europe, regardless of who is in the White House. In an increasingly competitive and multipolar world, Europe can no longer rely almost entirely on American military protection.

The authors therefore argue that NATO should evolve toward a more balanced alliance, with a much stronger European pillar. This would require greater European defence investment, deeper military integration, and the development of autonomous European capabilities.

In conclusion, a stronger European defence would not weaken NATO but make it more sustainable, by ensuring that Europe can take greater responsibility for its own security.

Brussels, February 3, 2026

Dear Member of the European Parliament,

Ahead of the upcoming resolution marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, the Union of European Federalists urges you to take into consideration some proposals:

1. European responsibility for Ukraine’s defence

Support for Ukraine is a European responsibility. This means it cannot depend on decisions taken in Washington. The European Union must act on the assumption that U.S. policy may be uncertain or transactional.

In light of the continued and devastating Russian air attacks, including the ones suffered in early February 2026, the EU must urgently accelerate the delivery of advanced military hardware. It is no longer enough to provide defensive shields; the Union must ensure the immediate provision of both air and missile defence systems and long-range precision strike capabilities. To effectively protect Ukrainian lives and sovereignty, Europe must empower Ukraine to neutralize not only the “arrows” but also the “archers” by targeting the launch sites of these aggressions.

In addition, we need to achieve a substantial strengthening of European and Ukrainian critical strategic enablers:
– satellite intelligence and secure communications
– strategic airlift and logistics
– cyber defence and electronic warfare

The objective is clear: ensure that Europe and its partners can sustain Ukraine’s defence effort over time, reducing both Ukraine’s and Europe’s structural dependence on U.S. military assets and establishing a genuine autonomous European system of defence.

2. Stricter sanctions to halt Russia's war machine.

We urge the European Parliament to champion a resolution that moves beyond incrementalism toward total strategic decoupling from Russia. We call for a ‘zero-exception’ sanctions regime that enforces the absolute isolation of the aggressor’s financial and energy systems and the total ban on its maritime transport. This is the moment to signal that Ukraine’s security is an indivisible component of European Territorial Integrity, requiring not just support, but a full commitment to a sovereign defence architecture that guarantees peace through unyielding strength

3. Ukraine’s EU accession and institutional reform.

The resolution should firmly support accelerated Ukraine’s accession to the European Union as a strategic priority. However, to overcome the obstacles that make entry controversial, enlargement must go hand in hand with institutional reforms. The Union cannot function effectively with an expanded membership under the current system. Not only would the decision-making process, already paralyzed by vetoes, remain blocked, but the current financing system, which is already completely inadequate, would also be unable to function and need to be reformed. The European Parliament should therefore reaffirm the need for decision-making reforms that limit or overcome unanimity in the Council, especially in foreign, security and fiscal matters, including by reforming the current Treaties. – and to increase the legislative and financial powers of Parliament.

4. Use of frozen Russian assets.

The EU must continue and intensify work on mobilising frozen Russian state assets. This would be a highly significant political act in order to show clearly Europe’s firmness towards Russia. Aggression must carry material consequences. These resources should underpin EU financial assistance to Ukraine, including the EU loan mechanism, and contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction.

5. 24 February as European Day of Resistance.

In light of the ties between the Ukrainian Resistance and the fate of Europe, the European Parliament should proclaim 24 February a European Day of Resistance. This date unites Ukraine and Europe in the shared struggle to defend freedom, sovereignty and international law.

6. Immanuel Kant and the meaning of Europe’s support for Ukraine.

The resolution should also recognise Immanuel Kant as a founding philosophical figure who inspired the vision of a united Europe. Kant’s idea of a federation of free states gruled by law, under a common constitution, to ensure peace, speaks directly to today’s challenges. Supporting Ukraine means for Europe defending an order based on rule of law, rights and democracy against imperial aggression. This is not only geopolitics. It is the defence of the European idea itself.

This anniversary resolution is an opportunity for the European Parliament to show strategic clarity and political leadership. Europe must act as a political actor to secure true peace, justice and freedom.

Many thanks in advance for your interest and support,

Domènec Ruiz Devesa

President of the Union of European Federalists and MEP 2019-2024

Mathilde Baudouin

Secretary General of the Union of European Federalists

Download here the Letter in PDF

The Union of European Federalists (UEF) is proud to announce its XXIX European Congress, to be held in Barcelona, Spain, from 20 to 22 March 2026. This flagship event — the highest decision-making body of our organisation — will bring together delegates, observers and guests from across Europe to debate, decide and shape the future of the European federalist movement.

The Congress will take place at the Auditorium of the Palau de Pedralbes, marking a historic moment for European federalism in the heart of Catalonia. The event was recently highlighted by El Triangle, which reported on the significance of this gathering and its wide participation, including political leaders and eminent speakers from European institutions and member states.

Barcelona’s hosting of the UEF European Congress coincides with the 80th anniversary of UEF’s founding, reaffirming our long-standing commitment to a sovereign, democratic and united Europe.

A decisive moment for European federalism

At the XXIX Congress, UEF members will:

Speakers and participation

As reported by El Triangle, distinguished figures from European political life are expected to contribute to the discussions, including former and current leaders involved in European affairs, reflecting the Congress’s broad outreach and political relevance.

Why this matters

The UEF European Congress is more than an organisational milestone — it is a crucial forum for advancing the federalist vision at a time when Europe faces profound strategic, democratic and geopolitical challenges. Through collective debate, political clarity and democratic decision-making, the Congress will strengthen our movement’s impact across the continent and beyond.

Registration and participation

All interested supporters of European federalism — whether as Delegates, Observers, or Guests — are invited to register and join the Congress. Participation contributions are structured to support broad inclusivity, with reduced fees for young participants, students and jobseekers.

Join us in Barcelona — be part of shaping Europe’s federal future.

European voices call on the EU to act with autonomy amid transatlantic rupture

The Union of European Federalists (UEF) welcomes the publication of its Appeal for Real Strategic Sovereignty, relaunched by the Action Committee for the United States of Europe, on the opinion pages of two major European newspapers: La Repubblica in Italy and El País in Spain.

This landmark appeal, initially addressed to the EU Council and President António Costa, has been signed by prominent European figures — including Josep Borrell, Robert Menasse and Guy Verhofstadt — alongside over forty leading voices from European public life. It calls for a decisive shift in the European Union’s strategic orientation in response to the deepening rupture of the traditional transatlantic relationship under the current U.S. administration.

From trade friction to structural rupture

The appeal highlights a dramatic change in transatlantic relations: what were once isolated disputes have now evolved into systematic policies that challenge Europe’s autonomy. It refers to unilateral U.S. measures — from arbitrary tariffs to diplomatic coercion — and to strategic shifts that signal a departure from mutual alignment and sustained partnership.

In this context, the appeal argues that EU strategic dependence on external actors is no longer sustainable. Europe must assert its sovereignty, not as a retreat from cooperation, but as a necessary foundation for a stable and balanced international order where the Union can defend its interests independently.

Key demands of the appeal

Among the central points of the appeal:
• The European Union must adopt real strategic sovereignty, strengthening its capacity to act autonomously in foreign policy, security and defence.
• The appeal calls on EU institutions to activate robust countermeasures against discriminatory external coercion, including the full implementation of anti-coercion instruments and economic safeguards.
• It urges a profound re-thinking of the security model, moving away from external dependency and towards shared European strategic capabilities.

This public appeal is being disseminated at a time when even EU officials acknowledge the structural shift in Europe’s geopolitical centre of gravity away from Washington, underscoring the urgency of greater European self-reliance.

A milestone for federalist advocacy

The publication of the appeal in La Repubblica and El País marks a significant milestone for the Action Committee for the United States of Europe, amplifying the call for a more strategic, sovereign and democratic Europe in two leading national forums of public debate. It reflects growing concern across European societies about the future of the transatlantic bond and the imperative for the EU to build its own political and defence capacities.

👉 Read the full appeal LINK HERE and add your signature to support LINK HERE

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