Paris, July 12, 2025 — French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stark warning, stating that Europe’s freedom is under its gravest threat since the end of World War II, as he unveiled plans for a major boost in defense spending.
Speaking to French armed forces in Paris, Macron declared: “We are living through a decisive moment,” pointing to the growing geopolitical instability, particularly in light of Russia’s actions.
“We face imperialist policies and annexationist powers,” he said, a direct reference to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, which began with the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
To meet these growing threats, Macron proposed increasing France’s defense budget by €3.5 billion in 2026 and an additional €3 billion in 2027.
The move comes as NATO and EU nations intensify military readiness in response to what Macron calls a strategic turning point in European security.
