French minister sees US NATO shift as opportunity to bolster Europe

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Friday described Washington's reassessment of its engagement with European allies as an opportunity to strengthen Europe's role within NATO, telling reporters in Sweden that the shift would allow the alliance to become "more European." Speaking ahead of the alliance's ministerial meeting, Barrot said the United States' reassessment of its continental commitment is not a recent development, adding that he views the moment as a chance to develop European capabilities and vision within the bloc.

Withdrawal calls rejected

Barrot dismissed calls by certain French political figures for Paris to withdraw from NATO, labeling such demands "unreasonable and entirely irresponsible." He stressed that solidarity mechanisms must bind allies to their closest partners and neighbors, particularly as threats grow near the Baltic states amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Baltic countries would view any French withdrawal as a betrayal, Barrot noted, pointing to the heightened security concerns in the region due to Moscow's military actions.

Alliance's deterrence record

The foreign minister emphasized that distancing from an organization that has enabled members to deter and ward off every form of threat since 1949 would constitute a strategic mistake. NATO was founded in Washington in 1949 to provide collective security against Soviet expansion, with France remaining a core member despite periodic tensions over the alliance's integrated command structure.