Lithuania continues to rely on the United States for its nuclear deterrence, officials said Thursday, amid France’s plans to expand its nuclear arsenal and propose a new European nuclear “umbrella”.
“We certainly trust the United States,” Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas told reporters.
“France, the United States, and other friendly countries are all strengthening their deterrence capabilities. It is welcome that France sees the need to increase deterrence in Europe – this means greater security for Lithuania as well,” he added.
Kaunas’ comments echoed those of President Gitanas Nausėda earlier this week, who said Paris’ plans complement NATO’s nuclear umbrella but cannot replace the protection provided by the United States.
Inga Ruginienė, Lithuania’s prime minister, emphasised that any decisions regarding nuclear deterrence must be coordinated with both the European Union and NATO.
Kaunas stressed that Lithuania is protected from external threats under NATO treaties and the alliance’s commitments. He cautioned against raising public fears about Lithuania being outside France’s nuclear umbrella.
“We have security guarantees, and that is probably the most important thing. Whether those guarantees are under one flag or another likely makes little difference. The key point is that they exist,” he said.
He added: “We should not appreciate one umbrella by diminishing another. All umbrellas are necessary, and the most important thing is to be under at least one.”
The defence minister also noted that discussions among countries are ongoing, reviewing their needs and capabilities to respond to various proposals.
“If we see that such a need is critically important and requires additional, individual discussions – which happen regularly anyway – we take those steps. But it is important to understand that this work is done consistently and continuously,” Kaunas said.
The remarks follow Emmanuel Macron’s announcement on Monday that France will increase its nuclear warheads and proposal to create a European nuclear deterrence framework.
According to Macron, eight European countries – Germany, United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark – have agreed to participate in the new scheme.
Under Macron’s plan, these countries could host French strategic air forces, which would be “deployed across the European continent”, creating a coordinated nuclear deterrent.
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