Overview

• Macron moved up the goal of doubling annual defence spending from €32 billion in 2017 to €64 billion by 2027, earmarking €3.5 billion for 2026 and €3 billion for 2027
• He cited a sustained Russian threat, U.S. strategic uncertainty, hybrid warfare and the war in Ukraine as reasons for the accelerated plan
• The president stressed that military independence is tied to financial autonomy, pledging growth-driven funding instead of increased debt
• Top officials, including Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Chief of the Defence Staff Thierry Burkhard, have been ordered to launch a Europe-wide strategic dialogue on France’s nuclear deterrent while mobilising all government departments
• Prime Minister François Bayrou will outline how the 2026 budget will absorb the extra defence allocations in a Tuesday address as he works to secure €40 billion in savings