France and Germany have announced a series of new initiatives to strengthen European security and bolster Ukraine’s defenses during the Franco-German Security and Defense Council held in Toulon.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, joined by their foreign and defense ministers, agreed to launch a strategic dialogue on nuclear deterrence, describing it as a “cornerstone of NATO’s security.”
In their joint statement, both countries emphasized that France’s independent nuclear forces remain a vital contribution to the security of the Alliance. Macron underlined that France would maintain independence in decision-making regarding its nuclear arsenal, according to German media outlet NTV.
Another major step announced was the development of a joint early-warning system for missile defense, to be built under the European project Odin’s Eye. The new initiative, named JEWEL, will integrate space-based technology and ground-based radar and will be open to participation from other European states.
France and Germany also pledged to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, though the joint statement made no mention of the long-debated Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet project, where differences between Paris and Berlin remain unresolved. Officials confirmed that a timeline for the FCAS program will be presented by the end of the year.
