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France Hikes Defense Budget by $6.8 Billion as Macron Warns of Russian Threat to Europe
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a sharp boost in defense spending, warning that Europe’s freedom faces its greatest threat since the end of World War II.
Speaking to France’s Armed Forces ahead of Bastille Day, as reported by Euractiv on July 13, Macron said the continent is at a “pivotal moment” and condemned Russia’s “imperialist policies.”
“Never has peace on our continent depended to such an extent on the decisions that we take now,” he stressed. Macron announced that France’s defense budget will grow by approximately $3.8 billion in 2026, with another $3 billion increase planned for 2027.
“If you want to be feared, you must be powerful,” Macron added, urging full mobilization of government agencies to reinforce national defense.
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According to Euractiv, France is raising alarms about growing security risks, with Defense Chief of Staff Thierry Burkhard stating on Friday that Russia poses a "durable" threat to Europe and that the "rank of European countries in tomorrow's world" is being decided in Ukraine, which Russia invaded in 2022.
Burkhard added that Russia currently sees France as its "main adversary in Europe."
He also cautioned about the impact of a reduced US commitment to Europe, as well as ongoing cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and the persistent risk of terror attacks.
"We have to take account of the fact that there has been a change in strategic parameters," he said.
Earlier, General Thierry Burkhard, Chief of the French Armed Forces, emphasized the escalating threat to the continent by stating that the risk of war in Europe is not a mere possibility but an existing reality.
