EU Macron Warns: Europe's Freedom Faces Threats Like Never Before

[webfact]

 

PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron has sounded the alarm, claiming Europe's freedom is under the gravest threat since World War Two. Unveiling plans in Paris, Macron called for an increase in defence spending, emphasising the complexities of current geopolitics. He warned of "imperialist policies" and "annexing powers" while pointing fingers at Russia.

 

In a bid to bolster France’s military strength, Macron proposed boosting defence spending by €3.5 billion (approximately 129 billion Thai Baht) next year, with an additional €3 billion (around 110 billion Thai Baht) by 2027. This surge aims to double the current defence budget, rising from €32 billion in 2017 to €64 billion in just two years. However, these proposals await approval from the French government.

 

Macron, speaking before Bastille Day, declared, “To be free in this world, you must be feared. To be feared, you must be powerful.” He highlighted the resurgence of nuclear power and conflicts around the globe, including US actions in Iran and tensions between India and Pakistan. He noted concerns over shifting American support for Ukraine.

 

Amid these escalating tensions, Nato has agreed to ramp up defence spending, setting a target of 5% of GDP annually, a sharp increase from the previous 2% goal. The UK, too, has announced a fresh defence review, aiming to send a clear warning to Moscow, according to Defence Secretary John Healey.

 

Thierry Burkhard, head of the French army, echoed these sentiments, identifying Russia as France's "main adversary in Europe." Burkhard stressed that the future prominence of European countries is closely tied to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

 

France's Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is slated to present the upcoming budget on Thursday. As tensions rise, all eyes are on the French government to see how these proposed changes will be implemented.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-14

 

 

[newbee2022]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

He warned of "imperialist policies" and "annexing powers" while pointing fingers at Russia.

....and where his other fingers are pointing at ???? It's US. Definitely 😳

[JonnyF]

Little Manny has taken too many headshots from Brigitte.

 

The threat to Europe is from within, and it floods across it's porous borders every day. 

 

 

[MarkBR]

Main threats: Russia (aka Putin then whoever replaces him), China & CCP (totally untrustworthy), USA as unreliable ally (Trump has been a reminder that the USA may not always be a good ally), Wahhabi Islam & its sponsors (created ISIS, Boko Haram, etc..).  Add to this list where sensible.

[MarkBR]

Just now, MarkBR said:

Main threats: Russia (aka Putin then whoever replaces him), China & CCP (totally untrustworthy), USA as unreliable ally (Trump has been a reminder that the USA may not always be a good ally), Wahhabi Islam & its sponsors (created ISIS, Boko Haram, etc..).  Add to this list where sensible.

These are only the obvious external threats.  Internal threats: fascism (as always in Europe), religions, organised crime, organised terrorism.

[impulse]

13 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Little Manny has taken too many headshots from Brigitte.

 

The threat to Europe is from within, and it floods across it's porous borders every day. 

 

Pretty soon, the native Europeans will be wishing they had a 2nd Amendment.

 

[phetphet]

The EU, just like the UK has let in too many illegals. The enemy within.  Changing the make up of the population and the cultural norms to suit themselves.

[Cameroni]

Worst case scenario we'll all have to marry someone who's 25 years older than us and used to be a man before.

 

It's true, Europe didn't have that before.

 

 

 

 

[mudpuppy]

4 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Little Manny has taken too many headshots from Brigitte.

 

The threat to Europe is from within, and it floods across it's porous borders every day. 

 

 

That's a man hitting Macron...  and Piers Morgan owes Candace Owens 150k

[JonnyF]

4 hours ago, phetphet said:

The EU, just like the UK has let in too many illegals. The enemy within.  Changing the make up of the population and the cultural norms to suit themselves.

 

Exactly.

 

This is simply a case of pointing into the distance and shouting "Hey everyone, look over there. Right on the horizon. The bad guy is over there" as 4 men of fighting age and unknown background quietly move in next door.