France's parade: Macron warns of threats from Russia!

France's parade: Macron warns of threats from Russia!

On July 14, 2025, the colorful military parade for the French national holiday took place on the glamorous Champs-élysées in Paris. Under the bright eyes of the audience, President Emmanuel Macron let the seriousness of the current geopolitical situation see. He made it clear that the freedom as we know it has never been as threatened since 1945, especially from the ongoing threat from Russia. This message was no coincidence; The parade was staged as a "real military operation" to draw attention to the security threats that are plagued by Europe.

In his speech, Macron also pointed out that a national strategic review postulates an increased risk of a great war in Europe by 2030. In order to meet the associated challenges, France plans to doublet defense spending, which should increase to almost 64 billion euros by 2027. In addition, an additional 6.5 billion euros should flow into the armed forces in 2026 and 2027 to react to a "more brutal" global environment and to strengthen military and financial independence.

defense spending and European cooperation

Since Macron's office took office in 2017, defense issues have been continuously increased. They rose to around 50.5 billion euros by 2025, while the future should update the military program for 2024-2030 with a budget of 413 billion euros. These developments are necessary because the war in Ukraine and an unsafe American support in Europe. The survey results show that 72 percent of the French support these increases, which underlines public awareness of the security policy challenges.

France is not only considered a military power, but, according to Global Firepower, is even the most seventh army worldwide and the best within the EU. Nevertheless, there were also critical voices, such as that of the Senator Cédric Perrin, who vehemently pointed out that the funds will probably not be sufficient to overcome the new challenges. France's army comprises around 200,000 active soldiers and 44,000 reservists and is equipped with the latest weapon systems, such as Leclerc tanks, Caesar cannons and a nuclear driven aircraft carrier.

security and international impulses

As Macron explained, not only the military presence is crucial, but also the strengthening of the common security structure in Europe. With the pressure from the United States to reduce its military protection claims, France could take on a central role in the European defense initiatives. In view of the falling NATO protection, the need for effective European military efforts is becoming more and more urgent, and Paris is very popular as a leading nation.

The celebrations were not only accompanied by military pomp. The French army presented, among other things, the "Patrouille de France", which offered a spectacular air show with national colors. Foreign stroops were also represented: over 450 Indonesian soldiers opened the parade, and a Belgian-Luxemburg company and French-Finnish armed forces actively took part. This international cooperation is perceived as a sign of solidarity and strategic cooperation in an insecure Europe.

For more information about the French defense initiatives and strategic developments, read here: le Courrier , 20 Minutes href = "https://de.euroneWs.com/My-europe/2025/24/hat-franz-das-zzu-dazu-europaische- Defense initiatives"> Euronews .