Key facts
- French President Emmanuel Macron delivered his final address to the armed forces before leaving office next year.
- Macron warned against nationalism and called for increased European defense cooperation.
- He stated that France has met its defense spending target of 2% of GDP by 2025.
- French military spending is projected to reach €64 billion in 2027, double the 2017 figure.
- Macron expressed regret over Germany's withdrawal from a joint next-generation fighter jet project.
- Far-right leader Marine Le Pen is leading in opinion polls for the next presidential election.
French President Emmanuel Macron delivered his final address to the armed forces on Monday, using the occasion to advocate for deeper European defense cooperation and warn against the rise of nationalism ahead of his departure from office next year. Macron, whose second and final term concludes in 2027, is barred from seeking re-election.
During the speech, Macron emphasized the importance of a united Europe in defense, stating, "At a time when Europe is rearming, to think that building up capabilities separately is the way forward is absurd." He also expressed "deep regret" over Germany's decision to abandon a plan to jointly build a next-generation fighter jet, a project that stalled due to disagreements between French firm Dassault and German company Airbus and Space.
Macron highlighted his administration's commitment to increasing defense spending, noting that France had met its target of achieving 2% of national wealth dedicated to defense by 2025. French military spending is expected to reach €64 billion in 2027, a significant increase from the €32 billion spent in 2017. Despite this rise, France's current spending of approximately 2.2% of GDP falls short of NATO's 2035 target of 3.5%.
The president's remarks come as far-right leader Marine Le Pen currently leads in opinion polls for the upcoming presidential election. Le Pen has previously indicated that France would significantly reduce its role in NATO if she wins, including withdrawing from the alliance's integrated military command, a move reminiscent of Charles de Gaulle's decision in 1966. France rejoined NATO's integrated command in 2009 under President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Macron also underscored France's support for Ukraine, noting that the country was hosting the Coalition of the Willing, an alliance of over 30 nations aiding Kyiv. This contrasts with National Rally representatives, who have often voted against or abstained on measures supporting Ukraine.