In a significant speech, President Macron highlights the urgent need for increased defense measures in response to evolving challenges in Europe, particularly citing threats from Russia and global instability.
Europe Faces New Defense Challenges, Warns Macron
Europe Faces New Defense Challenges, Warns Macron
French President emphasizes heightened military spending amidst growing geopolitical threats.
French President Emmanuel Macron has raised alarms over Europe’s safety, declaring it faces the greatest threat since World War II. Speaking at a military event in Paris, he described the current geopolitical climate as “pivotal” and called for a substantial boost in defense spending, which he argues is crucial for national and continental liberty.
Macron proposed an increase of €3.5 billion (£3 billion) for next year and a further €3 billion by 2027. Highlighting the ongoing conflict stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he criticized what he termed "imperialist policies" and countries acting as "annexing powers". The French leader affirmed his commitment to doubling France's military budget by 2027—accelerating the timeline set out in earlier defense plans. In 2017, the country allocated €32 billion for defense, with the new plan escalating this figure to €64 billion in two years' time.
The proposed budget increments still require approval from the French government. Macron stressed the importance of strength in the international arena: "To be free in this world, you must be feared. To be feared, you must be powerful.” He acknowledged the revival of nuclear threats and the proliferation of global conflicts, referencing recent conflicts, including tensions between India and Pakistan and the instability of American backing for Ukraine.
Last month, NATO members reached a consensus on committing 5% of their GDP to defense—a step up from the previous benchmark of 2%. Concurrently, the UK initiated its own defense review under Defense Secretary John Healey, intending to send a strong signal to Moscow.
On the military front, French army chief Thierry Burkhard noted that Russia views France as its principal adversary in Europe, stressing that the ongoing situation in Ukraine is pivotal in reshaping Europe’s future landscape. The French Prime Minister, Francois Bayrou, is set to reveal the details of next year’s budget on Thursday, promising to outline the implications of these new defense strategies.
