**France Doubles Down on Defense Spending Amid Global Tensions**
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a significant boost to his country’s defense spending, warning that Europe’s liberty is under greater threat than at any time since World War II. In a speech to the French armed forces in Paris, Macron outlined plans to increase defense spending by €3.5 billion next year and an additional €3 billion in 2027.
This move comes as part of a broader effort to strengthen European defenses in response to rising global tensions. The UK has also recently announced its own defense review, with Defense Secretary John Healey stating that it would send a “message to Moscow.” The United States has committed to spending 5% of GDP on defense annually, up from the previous target of 2%.
Macron’s proposal aims to double France’s military budget by 2027, three years earlier than originally planned. This will see the country’s defense spending rise from €32 billion in 2017 to a projected €64 billion by 2027. The proposals still need to be approved by the French government.
**The Growing Threat of Global Conflict**
Macron’s speech highlighted the growing threat of global conflict, citing the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a prime example. He denounced “imperialist policies” and “annexing powers,” referencing Russia’s actions in Ukraine and elsewhere. The world is witnessing the return of nuclear power, he said, and the “proliferation of major conflicts.”
The head of the French army, Thierry Burkhard, added that Russia sees France as its “main adversary in Europe.” Burkhard stated that Russia posed a “durable” threat to Europe and that the “rank of European countries in tomorrow’s world” was being decided in Ukraine.
**A New Era of Global Tensions**
The announcement by Macron marks a significant shift in France’s defense policy, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for increased military spending to counter global threats. As the world grapples with the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other regional conflicts, European countries are reassessing their defense priorities.
In this new era of global tensions, Macron’s proposal sends a strong message about France’s commitment to its own security and that of Europe as a whole. As the UK and US also take steps to bolster their defense spending, it is clear that the world is entering a period of heightened military preparedness and increased competition among major powers.
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