In a recent address, Emmanuel Macron announced plans to significantly increase France's defense spending, highlighting the heightened geopolitical threats facing Europe today, particularly from Russia. The proposed budget rise aims to bolster military capabilities as tensions escalate globally.
Macron Calls for Major Defense Budget Increase Amid Rising Geopolitical Threats
Macron Calls for Major Defense Budget Increase Amid Rising Geopolitical Threats
French President warns that Europe's liberty is under unprecedented threat, citing the need for enhanced military preparedness.
French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized the urgent need for an increase in defense spending, warning that Europe faces a "greater threat" than at any point since World War Two. Speaking to the armed forces in Paris, Macron described the current geopolitical climate as "pivotal," highlighting the numerous challenges posed by global conflicts and aggressive state actions.
He called for an immediate increase of €3.5 billion (£3 billion) in defense spending for the upcoming year, followed by an additional €3 billion by 2027. Macron specifically pointed to the ongoing threat from Russia, condemning its "imperialist policies" and actions in Ukraine, where fighting has intensified since the nation’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The French leader announced plans to double the military budget to €64 billion by 2027, advancing the timeline by three years from previous projections. "To be free in this world, you must be feared. To be feared, you must be powerful," Macron stated during his address, which coincided with the eve of Bastille Day.
He also noted that the resurgence of nuclear power and the increase in global conflicts underline the necessity for a robust military response. Referencing the recent tensions surrounding U.S. actions in the Middle East, as well as conflicts between India and Pakistan, Macron stressed the importance of strong defense commitments amid shifting international dynamics.
This call to action aligns with NATO's recent resolution mandating a defense spending target of 5% of GDP, a significant rise from the previous benchmark of 2%. Additionally, the UK has initiated its own defense review, signaling a unified stance among Western allies against aggression.
Thierry Burkhard, the head of the French army, indicated that Russia perceives France as its "main adversary in Europe," reinforcing Macron's claims about the ongoing threat Moscow poses. Burkhard characterized the challenges stemming from Russia as "durable," emphasizing that the geopolitical standing of European nations will be shaped by the events unfolding in Ukraine.
As France awaits the forthcoming budget outline from Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, the trajectory of Europe’s defense policy continues to evolve in response to a rapidly changing global landscape.
