French President Emmanuel Macron has raised a red flag over the security landscape in Europe, asserting that the region faces its most significant threat since the end of World War Two. In a speech delivered to the armed forces in Paris, he underscored the need for heightened military preparedness in light of escalating geopolitical tensions. Macron proposed a substantial increase in France’s defence budget by €3.5bn (£3bn) next year, followed by an additional €3bn in 2027.
Europe's Liberty in Jeopardy: Macron Calls for Increased Defence Investment
Europe's Liberty in Jeopardy: Macron Calls for Increased Defence Investment
In a decisive address, President Macron highlights looming threats to European freedom and outlines expansive defence funding plans.
He specifically pointed to Russian aggression as a catalyst for this urgent shift, condemning "imperialist policies" amid ongoing conflict stemming from Moscow's invasion of Ukraine since February 2022. The president committed to doubling France's military budget by 2027, revising earlier plans to meet this goal three years ahead of schedule. The defence budget, which was €32bn in 2017, is set to reach €64bn in the next two years, pending approval from the French government.
Macron emphasized the vital link between freedom and military strength during his speech, stating, "To be free in this world, you must be feared. To be feared, you must be powerful." The address coincided with Bastille Day, framing its message within a historical context of national liberty. He further elaborated on the global resurgence of nuclear power and the increasing conflicts around the globe, citing various geopolitical hotspots, including tensions between the US and Iran, and conflicts involving India and Pakistan.
Adding to this narrative, the recent commitment from NATO members to raise defence spending targets from 2% to 5% of GDP underlines the collective resolve to fortify European security. Concurrently, the UK has also announced a new defence review, which Defence Secretary John Healey indicated would send a stern message to Moscow regarding Western solidarity.
Recent comments from the head of the French army, Thierry Burkhard, highlighted the perception of France as Russia's "main adversary in Europe," characterizing Russia as a persistent threat to European stability. As European dynamics evolve, Burkhard reinforced the stakes, noting that the "rank of European countries in tomorrow's world" is being determined in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is expected to unveil next year’s budget in the coming days, which will detail the government’s strategic priorities in this unprecedented security climate.
Macron emphasized the vital link between freedom and military strength during his speech, stating, "To be free in this world, you must be feared. To be feared, you must be powerful." The address coincided with Bastille Day, framing its message within a historical context of national liberty. He further elaborated on the global resurgence of nuclear power and the increasing conflicts around the globe, citing various geopolitical hotspots, including tensions between the US and Iran, and conflicts involving India and Pakistan.
Adding to this narrative, the recent commitment from NATO members to raise defence spending targets from 2% to 5% of GDP underlines the collective resolve to fortify European security. Concurrently, the UK has also announced a new defence review, which Defence Secretary John Healey indicated would send a stern message to Moscow regarding Western solidarity.
Recent comments from the head of the French army, Thierry Burkhard, highlighted the perception of France as Russia's "main adversary in Europe," characterizing Russia as a persistent threat to European stability. As European dynamics evolve, Burkhard reinforced the stakes, noting that the "rank of European countries in tomorrow's world" is being determined in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is expected to unveil next year’s budget in the coming days, which will detail the government’s strategic priorities in this unprecedented security climate.
