The President of France, Macron, asserts that Europe’s liberty is encountering its most significant peril since the conclusion of World War II.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to significantly increase defense spending, stating that European liberty faces its most significant threat since the end of World War Two. In a speech to the armed forces in Paris, Macron emphasized the complexities of current geopolitics and the need for France to strengthen its defense capabilities. He called for France’s defense spending to rise by €3.5 billion next year and a further €3 billion in 2027. Macron also denounced Russia’s “imperialist policies” and the annexation of territories. Since February 2022, Moscow has been engaged in a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, resulting in ongoing conflict. Macron pledged to double France’s military budget by 2027, three years earlier than initially planned. The 2017 defense budget of €32 billion would rise to €64 billion within two years under the proposals, pending government approval. Macron emphasized that to maintain freedom in the world, one must be feared and possess power. He also referenced the return of nuclear power, the proliferation of major conflicts, and the fluctuations in American support for Ukraine. Last month, NATO member countries agreed to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP annually, up from the previous target of 2%. The UK has also announced its own defense review, aimed at sending a message to Russia. According to the head of the French army, Russia views France as its primary adversary in Europe, and the conflict in Ukraine is crucial in determining the future ranking of European countries. France’s Prime Minister, Francois Bayrou, is expected to outline next year’s budget on Thursday.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdez5e212dzo