Macron Deeply Concerned

Macron: “Europe’s Freedom Is Under the Greatest Threat Since World War II”

French President Emmanuel Macron stated during a speech to the armed forces in Paris that we are living in a "critical moment" due to complex geopolitical conditions.

Macron, referring to the threat from Russia, condemned “imperialist policies” and “annexationist powers” and called for an increase in France’s defense budget by €3.5 billion next year, followed by another €3 billion in 2027.

He pledged to double France’s military budget by 2027 — three years earlier than initially planned.

France’s defense budget was €32 billion in 2017, and under the new plan, it is expected to rise to €64 billion within two years. These proposals still need to be approved by the French government.

Last month, NATO members committed to allocating 5% of their annual GDP to defense spending — a significant increase from the previous benchmark of 2%.

Source: BBC News