France: Macron warns of global threat, boosts defence budget
France’s defence spending is set to increase sharply as President Emmanuel Macron warns of growing global threats to European security, according to The National on July 13th.
Ahead of Bastille Day celebrations, Macron said freedom in Europe is facing its greatest threat since the end of World War II. He cited Russiaâs war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and growing uncertainty around the United Statesâ role in global affairs as key concerns.
He also warned of other threats, including online propaganda campaigns targeting children. âNever since 1945 has freedom been so threatened,â Macron said. âTo be free in this world, you need to be feared, and to be feared, you need to be powerful.â
Macron confirmed that Franceâs defence budget will reach âŹ64 billion by 2027, which was originally a target for 2030. The funding will be sourced through economic growth rather than borrowing and will address critical gaps in ammunition, unmanned aerial systems, cyber warfare, and air defence.
He also tasked Armed Forces Minister SĂ©bastien Lecornu with launching a strategic dialogue on the future of Franceâs nuclear deterrent, with conclusions expected to be presented by the end of 2025.
Franceâs defence budget has already increased from âŹ32.2 billion in 2017 to âŹ50.5 billion this year, and is estimated to hit âŹ67 billion by 2030.
Elsewhere in Europe, Germanyâs Defence Minister Boris Pistorius urged weapons manufacturers to ramp up production, while the country plans to increase defence spending from âŹ95 billion in 2025 to âŹ162 billion in 2029.
NATO countries are also raising defence budgets. Poland currently spends 4.7% of its GDP on defence, while the UK plans to increase its military spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
The National
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