Stockholm: Sweden has had very early discussions with France and the United Kingdom about possible nuclear weapons cooperation, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has revealed.
No concrete proposals or timelines for any cooperation were outlined, and Kristersson emphasised that talks remain preliminary in early stages. But his remarks to Sweden’s public broadcaster SVT mark a notable shift in tone on the sensitive issue in Sweden of nuclear deterrence in Europe.
They come amid broader debates about strengthening European security independence within NATO, particularly in light of uncertainties surrounding long-term US commitments and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
“France occasionally raises, even publicly, an interest in discussing nuclear weapons capabilities with other European countries,” Kristersson said in his comments.
His statement came just days after the US Defence Department released its unclassified National Defence Strategy (NDS). Part of that document laid out a two-pronged message about how the Trump administration will counter Russia: by building up American nuclear forces, while also drawing down US forces in Europe and having the European nations handle their own continental defence.
Asked how he responds when France inquires about cooperation on nuclear weapons, Kristersson replied: “I say that when we joined NATO, we are fully involved in all discussions, including those in Europe revolving around nuclear weapons. Not so that they should be used, but as long as dangerous countries possess nuclear weapons, sound democracies must also have access to nuclear weapons.”
In a follow up question about whether Sweden could participate with France in a nuclear program, Kristersson responded “yes,” before revealing that such discussions have already begun.
