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French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday that France will double its defense budget to €64 billion ($74 billion) by 2027, three years ahead of the original 2030 target, citing unprecedented threats to European security since World War II.
Speaking to top military officials at the Hotel de Brienne on the eve of Bastille Day, Macron said France will allocate an additional €3.5 billion ($4 billion) for defense in 2026 and €3 billion ($3.5 billion) in 2027.
"This new, historic effort is proportionate, credible, and essential," Macron added.
Emphasizing the philosophy behind the defense buildup, Macron declared, "To be free in this world, you must be feared; to be feared, you must be powerful."
He called on all French citizens to understand the threats surrounding the country, saying, "The nation needs you. Every Frenchman and woman must be aware of the threats around us. We must all make sacrifices. Freedom has a price."
Macron also highlighted threats from unnamed foreign governments conducting disinformation campaigns online and propaganda activities targeting children in the digital age.
The military programming law update will be presented this autumn, with Macron urging parliamentarians to ensure the budget passes on time without delays.
Referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Macron warned that "freedom has never been so threatened since the end of World War II in 1945" and that "peace on our continent has never depended so much on our present decisions."
"Freedom is trampled when the rules of war are erased, when everyone shirks international law, and when the hope for peace is extinguished—in Europe, in the Near and Middle East, and in Africa. And when there are no more rules, it is the law of the strongest that prevails," he said.
"To meet emerging threats, France must invest in more ammunition, drones, and air defense, as well as electronic warfare and weapons systems in space," Macron added.
Macron said the accelerated defense spending would be financed through increased economic activity rather than additional debt, even as France struggles to achieve €40 billion ($46.7 billion) in budget savings for 2026.
"Our military independence is inseparable from our financial independence," he said.
"This will be financed through more activity and more production." Macron also called on French citizens by stating, "The nation needs you. Every French man and woman must be aware of the threats around us. We must all make sacrifices. Freedom has a price."
"So, I say it here: Each must take their responsibility for the year ahead," Macron concluded.
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou will provide more details about the 2026 budget plans on Tuesday.
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