Adding more support for stability.

The defense agreement between France and Norway is not simply a matter of defense between the two countries, but also a turning point in security politics for Europe.

The reason is that the agreement includes Norway's acceptance of relying on France's nuclear umbrella. Norway is the first European country to officially accept French President Emmanuel Macron's offer to extend the nuclear umbrella to European nations. While Macron is pleased with this development, the US is certainly not. Norway has put many other NATO and EU members in an awkward position. The debate in Europe about security autonomy will become much more heated than before.

French President Emmanuel Macron (right) and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere shake hands after a joint press conference at the Élysée Palace in Paris, France, on May 27, 2026.

Photo: Reuters

Norway made this decision primarily for three reasons. First, there are concerns about the security threat and challenge. Regardless of the outcome of the war in Ukraine, the EU and NATO will continue to view Russia as a direct and long-term security challenge, despite Moscow's denials. Therefore, Norway is seeking additional security guarantees to complement the US commitment within NATO.

The second reason is that the US is no longer the same reliable guarantor for the EU and NATO in terms of security commitments for its members. NATO and EU member states in Europe have responded by initiating processes leading to self-reliance in security. However, it is unclear when they will achieve this goal.

The third reason is that President Macron is actively inviting European nations to rely on France's nuclear umbrella. Several NATO members in Europe have expressed interest in joining Macron's idea, but none have formally formalized their participation like Norway. Oslo gains a new security bulwark, but the continent will become further divided between these two security bulwarks.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/them-cho-dua-cho-chac-185260528224536607.htm