Macron to increase French defence spending in response to Russian threat

PARIS, July 13 — President Emmanuel Macron is set to announce new defence objectives today in response to growing threats from Russia and the possibility of reduced U.S. involvement in European security, according to the Élysée Palace.

Speaking ahead of Macron’s 7pm address to the armed forces — a traditional speech delivered on the eve of France’s Bastille Day — officials emphasised that “defence efforts” are essential amid rising global instability and a deteriorating world order.

Despite tight public finances, the Élysée indicated that Macron’s announcements would be significant.

France’s top military and security officials have recently sounded alarms over the increasing global threats facing the country. Chief of Defence Staff General Thierry Burkhard on Friday described Russia as a “persistent” danger to Europe, adding that the future standing of European nations is being decided in the ongoing war in Ukraine, invaded by Russia in 2022.

“Russia now sees France as its main adversary in Europe,” Burkhard said. He also pointed to other concerns, including weakening U.S. support for Europe, rising cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and the ongoing risk of terrorism.

“There has been a shift in strategic dynamics that we must acknowledge,” he added.

Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu echoed this sentiment on Sunday, telling La Tribune that it is the government’s duty to offer solutions. He stressed that France must make a “renewed effort” to ensure its future independence and resilience.

France has already seen a sharp increase in its defence spending under Macron, from €32.2 billion in 2017 to €50.5 billion currently, with projections reaching €67 billion by 2030.

However, any substantial boost in military spending could challenge France’s efforts to rein in public debt and meet EU fiscal rules. Interest payments on national debt are expected to hit €62 billion this year.

Nonetheless, Budget Planning Commissioner François Bayrou has called the defence budget “sacrosanct,” stating it should remain protected from cuts. Bayrou is expected to present his 2026 budget plan on Tuesday.

Across NATO, member nations are stepping up military investments. The alliance recently agreed to allocate five per cent of GDP to overall security efforts. The UK plans to raise its defence budget to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027 and to 3 per cent after 2029, while Germany targets €162 billion in defence spending by 2029 — around 3.5 per cent of its GDP. Poland already devotes 4.7 per cent of its GDP to defence.

Macron on Thursday acknowledged the need to “rethink our programming and strategy” to match today’s evolving threats.

Lecornu has identified priority needs for the French military, including ground-to-air defence systems, ammunition stockpiles, electronic warfare capabilities, and space technologies. He also warned that France risks falling behind in “disruptive technologies” like artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

In addition to budget increases, the French government is aiming to strengthen national unity in the face of global challenges. Macron is expected to propose a new mobilisation initiative for young people, offering them “an opportunity to serve,” the Élysée said. — AFP