In brief
In a pivotal speech, Macron announced plans to double France's defense budget by 2027 to address growing geopolitical tensions.
In a compelling address to the armed forces in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Europe’s freedom is under its greatest threat since World War II. He termed the current geopolitical climate as a "pivotal moment" and announced plans to significantly increase France's defense budget, calling for an initial rise of €3.5 billion (approximately £3 billion) next year, with an additional €3 billion by 2027.Macron specifically cited the threat posed by Russia and condemned what he described as “imperialist policies” and “annexing powers,” referencing ongoing conflicts triggered by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He pledged to accelerate plans to double France's military budget from €32 billion to €64 billion by 2027, a timeline three years shorter than previously anticipated. His words emphasized that “to be free in this world, you must be feared. To be feared, you must be powerful.”In the same speech, he noted the resurgence of nuclear power and the proliferation of global conflicts, proposing that the precarious state of international relations demands immediate action. This includes the recent commitment by NATO members to enhance defense spending to 5% of GDP, up from a previously established target of 2%. Concurrently, the UK is reevaluating its defense strategy as a direct response to these rising threats.General Thierry Burkhard, chief of the French army, echoed Macron's sentiments, asserting that Russia views France as its primary adversary in Europe and characterizing the Russian threat as a “durable” presence that could influence European standing on the global stage. Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is anticipated to reveal the detailed budget for the next fiscal year in a presentation scheduled for Thursday.
