**As tensions rise, Macron reveals plans to double France's defense budget, confronting perceived threats from Russia and the landscape of modern warfare.**
**Macron Announces Major Defense Spending Increase Amidst Unprecedented Threats to Europe's Stability**
**Macron Announces Major Defense Spending Increase Amidst Unprecedented Threats to Europe's Stability**
**French President underscoring urgent geopolitical challenges calls for substantial military budget enhancement.**
In a significant address to the armed forces in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the pressing need for a substantial increase in the country’s defense spending, stating that Europe now faces a "greater threat" than it has since the end of World War II. He described the current geopolitical climate as a "pivotal moment," highlighting the complexities and dangers of international relations.
Macron's proposal includes a €3.5 billion rise in defense expenditure for the upcoming year, followed by an additional €3 billion in 2027. His remarks were underscored by ongoing fighting in Ukraine, a direct result of Russia's full-scale invasion initiated in February 2022. He criticized Russia's "imperialist policies" and expressed concern over its actions, which he described as representing a fundamental challenge to European stability.
By accelerating plans to double France's military budget from €32 billion in 2017 to €64 billion by 2027—three years ahead of schedule—Macron plans to solidify France’s defense capabilities. "To be free in this world, you must be feared. To be feared, you must be powerful," he emphasized during a speech delivered the day before Bastille Day.
Macron also voiced concern about the return of nuclear power and the global rise in conflicts. He alluded to various international crises, including the US's military actions in Iran and ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, while addressing the fluctuating support from the US for Ukraine amidst these challenges.
This renewed emphasis on defense follows NATO's recent agreement to elevate defense spending commitments to 5% of GDP, significantly up from the previous level of 2%. The UK has also initiated its own defense review, signaling a collective response to perceived threats from Moscow.
Furthermore, Thierry Burkhard, the head of the French army, stated that Russia considers France its "main adversary in Europe," marking a significant shift in the regional security landscape. Burkhard characterized Russia as posing a "durable" threat to continental Europe, asserting that the dynamics of European nations are currently being defined through the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
France's Prime Minister, Francois Bayrou, is expected to present details of next year's budget on Thursday, further detailing the government’s strategic defense commitments.
Macron's proposal includes a €3.5 billion rise in defense expenditure for the upcoming year, followed by an additional €3 billion in 2027. His remarks were underscored by ongoing fighting in Ukraine, a direct result of Russia's full-scale invasion initiated in February 2022. He criticized Russia's "imperialist policies" and expressed concern over its actions, which he described as representing a fundamental challenge to European stability.
By accelerating plans to double France's military budget from €32 billion in 2017 to €64 billion by 2027—three years ahead of schedule—Macron plans to solidify France’s defense capabilities. "To be free in this world, you must be feared. To be feared, you must be powerful," he emphasized during a speech delivered the day before Bastille Day.
Macron also voiced concern about the return of nuclear power and the global rise in conflicts. He alluded to various international crises, including the US's military actions in Iran and ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, while addressing the fluctuating support from the US for Ukraine amidst these challenges.
This renewed emphasis on defense follows NATO's recent agreement to elevate defense spending commitments to 5% of GDP, significantly up from the previous level of 2%. The UK has also initiated its own defense review, signaling a collective response to perceived threats from Moscow.
Furthermore, Thierry Burkhard, the head of the French army, stated that Russia considers France its "main adversary in Europe," marking a significant shift in the regional security landscape. Burkhard characterized Russia as posing a "durable" threat to continental Europe, asserting that the dynamics of European nations are currently being defined through the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
France's Prime Minister, Francois Bayrou, is expected to present details of next year's budget on Thursday, further detailing the government’s strategic defense commitments.
