French President Emmanuel Macron has declared that France stands 'ready to fight' to defend freedom and justice, 'even at the cost of our blood,' during a speech to the armed forces at the Coalition of the Willing summit for Ukraine in Paris. The summit, attended by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, is part of ongoing discussions to support Ukraine and impose the 21st package of Russian sanctions.
Macron Announces €36 Billion Defence Boost
Macron outlined a significant increase in military spending, stating: 'An additional effort of €36 billion is therefore planned for the period 2026-2030.' He emphasised that the main priorities will be increasing ammunition stocks and strengthening operational readiness. The announcement comes as Europe rearms in response to the war in Ukraine.
'The message we send to the world is this: Yes, peace is our goal. Yes, we cherish freedom and justice. And yes, we stand ready to fight to defend them always, even at the cost of our blood if necessary,' Macron said, according to his official remarks. He also paid tribute to French soldiers who died for France, saying: 'This price of blood was paid by our French soldiers, who died for France, wounded in body or soul. And I want to reiterate the nation’s respect for its soldiers who died for France. Our affection goes out to the bereaved families with whom I was just a moment ago, before joining you, to our wounded, and to all their families.'
Macron Warns Against Nationalism
The French President also warned against nationalism, stating: 'Wherever nationalism is pandered to, in France or elsewhere, our history is misunderstood. Patriotism, yes; nationalism, never.' He called for European unity in rearmament, saying: 'At a time when Europe is rearming, consider that accumulating capabilities and a sense of history separately is absurd. We must build as Europeans and maintain our own specificities, our decision-making processes, our intervention forces, our credibility. But let us not allow history to repeat itself.'
UK and France Lead Coalition of the Willing
The UK and France have been leaders in the Coalition of the Willing, which aims to continue supporting Ukraine. The summit in Paris is also being attended by Sir Keir Starmer, who is in his last week as Prime Minister. While in France, he is expected to join Bastille Day events on Tuesday. Separately, the UK and EU have jointly sanctioned alleged hackers linked to Russia, as Britain’s cybersecurity service urged critical sectors to strengthen their online defences against the threat from Moscow.
