French President Emmanuel Macron has announced significant plans to bolster defense spending, declaring that Europe’s freedom is currently at a risk greater than at any point since World War Two.
During a speech to the military in Paris, he emphasized that we are at a crucial juncture in international relations. To reinforce France’s defenses, Macron proposed an increase in defense expenditure by €3.5 billion (£3 billion) in the upcoming year, followed by an additional €3 billion in 2027.
Addressing the ongoing conflict instigated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he criticized imperialist ambitions and annexations. He committed to doubling France’s military budget to €64 billion by 2027, moving this goal up by three years. This change marks a significant increase from €32 billion spent in 2017, pending approval from the French government.
Macron stated, “To maintain freedom, you must be feared, and to be feared, you must be powerful,” highlighting global tensions such as nuclear proliferation and regional conflicts. He noted that last month, NATO members agreed to raise defense spending targets to 5% of GDP, a jump from the previous 2%.
Furthermore, French Army Chief Thierry Burkhard indicated that Russia perceives France as its primary adversary in Europe and poses a persistent threat, with the implications of the Ukraine conflict influencing Europe’s future standing.
Source: www.bbc.com
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