President Emmanuel Macron warned Sunday that freedom in Europe is under its greatest threat since World War II, as he called for a major increase in France’s defense spending.
"We are living a pivotal moment," Macron said in a speech to the armed forces on the eve of the national Bastille Day holiday, denouncing "imperialist policies," "annexing powers," and the notion that "might is right," all a reference to Russia.
"Never has peace on our continent depended to such an extent on the decisions that we take now," said Macron.
France faced the challenge "of remaining free and masters of our destiny," he added.
Macron said France's defense budget should rise by 3.5 billion euros ($4.1 billion) in 2026, and then by a further 3 billion euros in 2027.
"If you want to be feared, you must be powerful," he said, calling for "mobilization" for national defence by all government departments.
"Everyone must be present at their battle stations," Macron said.
"We are still ahead, but if we remain at the same speed we will be overtaken tomorrow," he added.
French military and security officials have been warning of global threats weighing on France, with Defence Chief of Staff Chief Thierry Burkhard saying Friday that Russia posed a "durable" threat to Europe and that the "rank of European countries in tomorrow's world" was being decided in Ukraine, invaded by Russia in 2022.
Russia currently views France as its "main adversary in Europe," Burkhard said.
He also warned of the consequences of a diminished U.S. commitment to Europe, along with cyberthreats, disinformation campaigns and the risk of terror attacks.
"We have to take account of the fact that there has been a change in strategic parameters," he said.
On Sunday, Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu weighed in, telling the La Tribune weekly newspaper that "it's our job to provide answers."
France needed to make "a new effort" if it wanted to "depend on nobody" in the future, the minister said.
France's defence budget has already increased sharply since Macron took power, rising from 32.2 billion euros in 2017 to 50.5 billion currently and is projected to reach 67 billion euros in 2030.
