Finland has joined France’s Forward Deterrence initiative, a framework designed to deepen European involvement in discussions around French nuclear deterrence and strengthen cooperation on continental security.
The decision follows a speech by French President Emmanuel Macron on 2 March at Île Longue, where he outlined the European dimension of France’s nuclear deterrence doctrine and introduced the concept of Forward Deterrence.
The initiative aims to develop closer strategic coordination between France and European partners, including dialogue on deterrence, strategic signalling, joint exercises and managing escalation below the nuclear threshold. France retains national control over decisions regarding the use of its nuclear forces.
Finland’s participation will include the creation of a Nuclear Steering Group with France in the coming months to begin implementing the cooperation. Both countries said the move supports their shared ambition for a stronger, safer and better defended Europe.
Finland becomes the tenth European participant in the initiative, joining Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Norway and the United Kingdom.
The expansion reflects growing European efforts to strengthen defence cooperation and develop additional security arrangements alongside NATO’s existing nuclear deterrence framework.
ℹ️ Élysée Palace (Presidency of the French Republic)
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