French President Emmanuel Macron announced a sharp increase in defense spending, pledging an additional €6.5 billion over the next two years to bolster France’s military capabilities amid what he described as the gravest threats to European freedom since the end of World War II. Speaking ahead of Bastille Day in an address to military officials, Macron stressed that in a world governed increasingly by “the law of the strongest,” Europe must take responsibility for its own security.

“We must be feared in this world to remain free,” Macron declared. “To be feared, we must be powerful.”

Preparing for a New Strategic Era

The defense budget will rise by €3.5 billion in 2026 and €3 billion in 2027, a 6% increase on top of the previously planned €110 billion allocation. By 2027, France’s annual defense budget is expected to reach €64 billion, nearly double what it was when Macron took office in 2017. Macron linked the increase directly to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, the erosion of global norms, and what he described as America’s disengagement under President Donald Trump.

Macron has framed this latest defense surge as part of France’s broader push for European “strategic autonomy”, arguing that Europe can no longer rely on U.S. security guarantees and must prepare to defend itself independently.

NATO Pressures and Fiscal Challenges

The announcement aligns with NATO’s new spending goal for members to reach 3.5% of GDP on defense by 2035, up from the historical 2%. However, with France’s debt-to-GDP ratio at 113%, some lawmakers warn it will be difficult for Paris to meet the target. Macron has proposed joint EU borrowing to fund defense, but Germany and others remain opposed.

Despite domestic fiscal pressures, Macron has secured broad political support for military investments, citing France’s nuclear deterrent, its aircraft carrier, and 200,000-strong armed forces as cornerstones of European security.

Pushback Against U.S. Policy

Tensions with Washington, particularly over Trump’s tariffs on Europe and perceived indifference to European security, have fueled Macron’s urgency. He criticized Trump’s threats of 30% tariffs on EU goods and expressed frustration with U.S. attempts to derail French diplomatic initiatives, including recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu echoed Macron’s position, arguing that true independence requires not only financial but also “intellectual, moral, and industrial” commitment.