Europe Freedom faces the biggest “threat” after World War II, says Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron outlined plans for a major increase in defense spending, warning Europe’s freedom, faces a “greater threat” than at any time since the end of World War II.

In a speech to the Armed Forces in Paris, he said that we “live at a core moment” due to complex geopolitics.

Macron called on France’s defense costs to rise by 3.5 billion euros (£ 3 billion) next year, and then another 3 billion euros in 2027.

Referring to the threat from Russia, he condemned “imperialist politics” and “annexing powers.”

The fight has been raging since Moscow started its full invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Macron promised to double French’s military budget by 2027, three years earlier than the originally planned.

In 2017, the country’s defense budget amounts to 32 billion euros, and it will increase to 64 billion euros over two years. Proposals must still be approved by the French government.

“To be free in this world, you must be afraid. In order to be afraid, you must be powerful,” he said in a speech that fell on the eve of Bastille Day.

Macron said the world witnessed the return of nuclear energy and the “spread of major conflicts”.

He also referred to American bombing over Iran, fighting between India and Pakistan, and what he called “ups and falls in American support for Ukraine.”

Last month, NATO members I agreed to commit to spend 5% of GDP annually on defense, compared to the previous target of 2%.

The United Kingdom also announced His own defense reviewwith the Minister of Defense John Heli, who says he will send a “Message to Moscow”S

On Friday, the head of the French army Thierry Berkhard said Russia sees France as his “main opponent in Europe”.

Russia is a “lasting” threat to Europe, Berkhard said, adding that “the rank of European countries in tomorrow’s world” is being decided in Ukraine.

French Prime Minister Francois Bairu is expected to outline next year’s budget on Thursday.