[continued from previous message]   
      
   could contribute to the bloc’s security. In a bid to show leadership,   
   the French president is currently engaging with some nations to talk   
   about the role French nukes could play to deter Russia beyond the French   
   borders.   
      
   Asked whether she’d be open to storing French nuclear weapons in Poland   
   and Germany (something even Macron hasn’t suggested), she replied: “Give   
   me a break. It’s an absolute no, because nuclear power belongs to the   
   French.”   
      
   Some European countries want to do as much as possible with Macron now,   
   in anticipation of a potential drastic policy change in 2027.   
      
   Others are concerned about France’s political future, worrying how a   
   leadership change could affect Paris’ commitments.   
      
   According to an influential French lawmaker who works on defense policy,   
   Poland’s recent decision to award a submarine contract to Sweden instead   
   of France was partly driven by concerns in Warsaw about France’s   
   political future. “The instability of French political life is   
   frightening. Poland is scared to death of Bardella,” the lawmaker said.   
      
   Countries such as Romania continue to see France as a crucial security   
   provider and would welcome more troops to compensate for the outgoing   
   U.S. soldiers. But officials from the southeastern European country know   
   there could be an expiration date to Paris’ involvement. “There is an   
   election in two years’ time, Macron’s successor will be less inclined to   
   have troops outside of France,” one of them told me.   
      
   Amid the uncertainty, the French military will continue to try to   
   strengthen the ranks of its armed forces and attract young people like   
   Charlotte.   
      
   She is still deciding whether she actually wants to join, and regardless   
   of who’s elected president in 2027, the geopolitical environment is   
   unlikely to improve. “It is very important that our generation is aware   
   and knows how to serve their country,” she said.   
      
   Filed Under:   
   EuropeEuropean UnionRussiaDonald TrumpNATOFrance   
      
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