French President Emmanuel Macron outlined plans for a substantial increase in defense spending, warning Europe’s freedoms faced “a greater threat” any time since the end of World War II.
In his speech to the Paris Armed Forces, he said that due to the complex geopolitics, “we live at critical moments.”
Macron called on France’s defense spending to rise by 3.5 billion euros (£3 billion) next year, and then added another 3 billion euros in 2027.
He mentioned Russia’s threats and condemned “imperialist policies” and “annexation of power.”
Fighting has been fierce since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Macron promised to submit France’s military budget three years ahead of schedule by 2027.
In 2017, his country’s defense budget was 3.2 billion euros, which will rise to 64 billion euros in two years, according to the plan. These proposals still need approval from the French government.
“To be free in this world, you have to be afraid. To be afraid, you have to be strong,” he said in his speech.
Macron said the world is witnessing the return of nuclear power and the “proliferation of major conflicts.”
He also mentioned the U.S. bombing on Iran, the battle between India and Pakistan and what he called “Ukraine’s support.”
last month, NATO members Agree to commit to spending 5% of GDP on defense annually, which is the previous 2% target.
The UK also announced Its own defense reviewSecretary of Defense John Healey said this will be sent “News to Moscow”.
On Friday, Thierry Burkhard, head of the French army, said Russia saw France as its “main opponent in Europe.”
Berkhard said Russia posed a “lasting” threat to Europe, adding that in Ukraine it determines “the hierarchy of European countries in the world tomorrow.”
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is expected to outline next year’s budget.
