"To earn respect": Macron announced plans to double defense spending.

France will double its defense budget and intends to initiate significant pan-European defense projects, some of which will require joint funding from EU countries.

Source. This was stated by French President Emmanuel Macron at the start of an informal meeting of EU leaders taking place today in Brussels, as reported by a correspondent from Ukrinform.

“What is happening now in Ukraine, along with the choices made by the Americans and the statements from the new administration of President Trump, indicate that Europeans need to be more united and proactive in responding to collective security challenges,” said the French president.

He emphasized that Europe is currently experiencing “an extremely important moment for structuring its future,” and therefore, according to him, it is essential to make decisions and adopt an action plan.

“The priority is this strategic agenda and the security of our borders. And if we are attacked on trade issues, Europe, as a force that stands its ground, must compel respect and respond accordingly. Thus, this is the action plan,” stated the French leader.

Macron added that Europe needs to develop its defense-industrial and technological base, invest more, and have European preferences that will ensure its “strategic awakening.”

Background. It is worth noting that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently stated that the spending target of 2% of GDP for each alliance country, set ten years ago, is outdated, and countries need to raise the bar.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, commenting on the recent incident involving damage to an underwater cable in the Baltic Sea, also stated the need to increase defense spending.