PM: France to ramp up defence spending with $3.4 billion boost

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has called for a significant increase in national defence spending, proposing an additional 3 billion euros ($3.4 billion) be allocated to the 2026 defence budget. 

Bayrou argued that the increased funding is essential to ensure France’s “independence in matters of security and defence”, not only for the nation itself but also as a key contributor to the EU’s strategic autonomy, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

“In today’s geopolitical climate, it is increasingly clear that Europe must be able to defend itself,” Bayrou said.

He stressed that the EU should not rely solely on external powers for its security but instead work toward collective defence capabilities through enhanced cooperation among member states. 

In a TV address to the nation on March 5, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for increased defence investments. “We must strengthen our defence,” Macron stated. “In this regard, we remain committed to NATO, but we must also reinforce our strategic independence.”

By Naila Huseynova