Macron Announces Major Defense Budget Hike Amid Rising Global Threats
French President Warns of Return of War to Europe, Calls for Strategic Nuclear Deterrence and Stronger Military Preparedness.
Watan-During his traditional address to the armed forces, delivered in the gardens of the Ministry of the Armed Forces in Paris on the eve of the July 14th Bastille Day military parade, Emmanuel Macron spoke of increasing global threats and announced a long-anticipated increase in the defense budget.
In a speech marked by a firm tone, Macron declared:”We are witnessing an acceleration in the return of war to our territory, a worsening of threats, and the erosion of international norms that have guaranteed peace for decades.”
He warned of mounting geopolitical dangers, stressing that “freedom has not been this threatened since 1945,” and called for a new increase in the defense budget to face growing risks—especially in light of tensions with Russia.
Macron announced that the military budget will be raised by €3.5 billion in 2026 and €3 billion in 2027, reaching €64 billion by the end of his term—double the €32 billion figure when he first took office in 2017. He emphasized that “freedom has a price,” and that France must be strong to be respected and to preserve its independence.
He posed a critical question:”Are we capable of withstanding a high-intensity conflict on European soil in the next three to four years?”
He cited the warning from France’s Chief of Defense Staff that Russia could pose a threat before 2030.
Despite this clear direction, Macron did not clarify how these increases will be funded. He ruled out resorting to debt and mentioned only the need to boost economic activity. Decisions regarding the reintroduction of compulsory national service were postponed until the fall.
The president also remained vague about achieving the target of dedicating 3.5% of GDP to defense by 2035, as pledged at the recent NATO summit. He stated that what matters most is not just the percentage, but the “spirit and determination” behind the defense effort. For some observers, this speech was seen as a potential signal of a future presidential campaign, according to some parliamentary analysts.
Macron linked this effort to the importance of maintaining nuclear deterrence and strategic balance with Russia, noting that the nuclear arsenal accounts for over 10% of the defense budget. He tasked the Minister of Defense and the Chief of Staff with initiating a strategic dialogue with relevant European nations. He also announced that he will return at the end of the year to report on the matter’s progress, coinciding with the fourth year of the war in Ukraine—assuming no ceasefire is reached by then.
