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France’s defence strategy against the backdrop of changes in US policy
The majority of French citizens support an increase in military spending, even if it leads to an increase in the state budget deficit. This is evidenced by an Ipsos poll conducted against the backdrop of the Donald Trump administration’s policy changes towards Europe and Ukraine.
According to a study conducted by La Tribune Dimanche, 68% of French people fully support or are inclined to support an increase in the defence budget, and 66% consider it acceptable to finance these costs due to scarce resources.
Macron strengthens his authority amid European challenges
French President Emmanuel Macron is stepping up his political stance in an attempt to lead European efforts to increase defence spending and support for Ukraine.
France, with its strategic nuclear capabilities, has declared its readiness to consider expanding Europe’s nuclear defence. This issue will be one of the main topics at the meeting of the defence ministers of France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Poland to be held in Paris on 13 March.
France is preparing a record military budget
According to Bloomberg, French Defence Minister Sébastien Le Coronneu has announced his intention to almost double military spending to 100 billion euros a year.
“A horizon of about €100 billion a year would be quite acceptable for the French armed forces,” he said, recalling that the current projected defence budget for 2025 is €50.5 billion.
Despite the financial pressure to reduce the deficit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has already said that the EU could provide member states with more fiscal space for defence investment.
France increases military assistance to Ukraine
Lecorneuil also confirmed that France would continue to provide military assistance to Ukraine by transferring old equipment from the French army.
“I am going to accelerate these deliveries, including the AMX-10RC armoured vehicles,” the minister said.
The French Armed Forces’ priorities for the near future are ammunition and electronic warfare equipment.
Against the backdrop of weakening US support for Ukraine, France is positioning itself as one of the key leaders in Europe’s defence strengthening. Final decisions on the new defence policy are expected to be made in the coming weeks.
