• Macron announces €6.5 billion boost in military spending over two years.
• France aims to double its defense budget to €64 billion by 2027.
• The increase is driven by threats from Russia, terrorism, and cyber warfare.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a €6.5 billion increase in military spending over the next two years, stating that "never since 1945 has freedom been under such a threat." This announcement came during his traditional military address on the eve of Bastille Day, where he emphasized the need for greater security in Europe amidst rising geopolitical tensions from threats including Russia and terrorism, according to Le Monde and Reuters.

Macron indicated that France's defense budget will rise to €64 billion by 2027, accelerated to three years earlier than the previous target. He stated that extra investments are essential as "our Europe is now on the verge of a vast arc of crises," reflecting on the urgent necessity for nations to rely on their own security measures, according to BBC and TRTGlobal.

This budget increase includes €3.5 billion allocated for 2026 and an additional €3 billion earmarked for 2027, despite concerns regarding the impact on public finances and national debt. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is expected to reveal further plans related to these budget adjustments in the upcoming budgetary meeting, as reported by India Times and Le Monde.

Overall, Macron emphasized the pressing need for France to remain "feared and powerful" on the global stage, contrasting the current military ambitions with the political uncertainties influenced by external factors, particularly the shifting stance of the United States towards Europe, according to Le Monde and Reuters.