Macron delivered a speech on the armed forces, a French tradition before the July 14 Bastille Day military parade. It followed the recent NATO summit, where allies agreed to increase core defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035. This move addresses concerns over an expansionist Russia and anticipated reductions in American military presence in Europe.
In January, Macron suggested that France’s military budget might need to rise beyond the €3 billion increases already planned for 2026 and 2027 according to the country’s military planning law.
Macron tasked General Thierry Burkhard, the defense chief, with detailing the threats France faces, primarily from Russia, ahead of the public spending increase announcement amid tight public finances.
The additional funds will come from “more activity and more production” rather than borrowing, Macron stated, with Prime Minister François Bayrou set to release the funding specifics with France’s 2026 budget plans.
While Bayrou is expected to propose €40 billion in overall spending reductions, Macron announced that the defense budget will rise by €3.5 billion in 2026 and €3 billion in 2027. A revised military planning law will be presented in the fall, targeting enhancements in drone and munitions, air defense, and electronic warfare.
Macron’s address preceded the upcoming release of France’s National Strategic Review, which is predicted to highlight the sustained Russian threat to Europe’s borders as a key continental issue.
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