Europe’s freedom faces greatest threat since WW2, Macron says

French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to significantly boost defense spending, warning that Europe faces its greatest threat since World War II. He proposed increasing France’s defense budget by €3.5 billion next year and another €3 billion in 2027, aiming to double the military budget to €64 billion by then—three years ahead of schedule. Macron condemned Russia’s “imperialist policies” amid its ongoing war in Ukraine and emphasized the need for France to be powerful to ensure freedom. His speech comes as NATO members agree to raise defense spending and highlights rising global conflicts and nuclear threats, the BBC has reported. The budget plan awaits government approval.