French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday unveiled an additional €6.5 billion ($7.6 billion) in military spending over the next two years, citing unprecedented threats ranging from Russia's aggression to nuclear proliferation, cyberattacks, and terrorism. In a wide-ranging speech on the eve of Bastille Day, Macron called for intensified efforts to protect Europe and reaffirmed France's long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine. He said France's annual defense budget will reach €64 billion ($74.8 billion) by 2027, double what it was when he took office in 2017. "Since 1945, freedom has never been so threatened and never so seriously," Macron said, warning of a resurgence in nuclear threats and large-scale conflicts. "To be free in this world, we must be feared. To be feared, we must be powerful," he declared. Macron argued that France can afford the increase despite efforts to reduce its national debt. While conservative and far-right parties back the move, left-wing parties have criticized the shift, accusing the government of sacrificing social spending in favor of military buildup. The president also ordered defense officials to initiate a "strategic dialogue" with European allies about the role of France's nuclear arsenal in Europe's security. In a rare move, France and the UK recently agreed to collaborate on nuclear defense. Macron's remarks come ahead of a key announcement expected Monday from U.S. President Donald Trump concerning Russia, and just before NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg travels to Washington for high-level talks. Trump last week said NATO allies could buy U.S. weapons and deliver them to Ukraine, which continues to struggle against complex Russian air and drone attacks. Macron, who recently spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time in three years, remains a target of criticism in Moscow for his pro-Ukraine stance. The Kremlin maintains that the conflict is a result of Western disregard for Russia's security interests. French military chief Gen. Thierry Burkhard detailed broader threats from Moscow, including satellite disruption, sabotage of undersea infrastructure, and disinformation campaigns targeting French and African audiences. He also said Russian submarines and aircraft are operating aggressively in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Syria. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, in an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, called for greater investment in defense technology and training. He warned that countries are developing quantum computing capabilities that could soon transform the battlefield. "Do we want to stay in the game?" Lecornu asked. — Agencies
