On the eve of France's National Day, the president promises "a new, historic, and essential effort" to rearm the country, which will include a salary increase for the military. Emmanuel Macron has used his traditional speech on July 13,

French President Emmanuel Macron has outlined plans for a big increase in defence spending, warning Europe's liberty is facing a "greater threat" than at any time since the end of World War Two. In a speech to the armed forces in Paris, he said "we are living in a pivotal moment" due to complex geopolitics.

Macron called for a 3.5 billion-euro hike in defense spending next year and for another 3 billion-euro boost in 2027.