According to journalists from Euractiv, European countries are divided over Paris’s initiative to cooperate in the field of nuclear deterrence.

The journalists reported that France’s proposal to expand its nuclear deterrence capability has already attracted nine European countries, while the advantages this scheme would offer in addition to the American nuclear umbrella remain unclear to others.

The authors noted that, in addition to London, Berlin, Warsaw, Amsterdam, Brussels, Athens, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo, the French proposal is also being assessed by the Finnish authorities. Italy is currently skeptical about France’s initiative.

Earlier, French leader Emmanuel Macron said the country was moving into a phase of enhanced nuclear deterrence. Under the new strategy, Paris intends to increase its nuclear capability by expanding the number of warheads. European allies will also be offered participation in joint exercises aimed at strengthening deterrence mechanisms.

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, in force since 1970, officially recognized only five states as nuclear powers: the USSR, the United States, Britain, France and China. The document prohibits the emergence of new nuclear-armed states. Under its provisions, the five nuclear powers pledged not to transfer such weapons to other countries or assist in their development, while the other parties to the treaty undertook not to acquire or create nuclear weapons.