Macron Urges Europe to Increase NATO Defense Spending to Over 3% of GDP

The French president calls for a stronger European defense strategy as U.S. shifts focus and tensions with Russia persist.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for European nations to raise defense spending to 3-3.5% of GDP, surpassing NATO’s current 2% benchmark.
Macron’s proposal follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and signals concerns over America’s reduced focus on European security.
European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have echoed the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its defense amid ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and other officials have indicated that the alliance may soon adopt a higher spending target, with discussions expected at a June summit.
Macron has suggested innovative funding mechanisms, such as reallocating EU funds, to meet increased defense budgets, while some nations, like Ireland, are considering significant upgrades to their military capabilities.