France plans to double its defence budget and initiate large-scale reforms in the EU
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the country's intention to double its defence budget and launch major projects, some of which will require joint European funding.
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Before the informal meeting of EU leaders in Brussels, Macron stressed that the situation in Ukraine and the Trump administration's position are forcing Europe to be more united and active in security issues. According to him, Europe is at a crucial moment for shaping its future strategy.
The French president stressed that the priority is border security and the EU's ability to defend its interests in trade issues. He called for the expansion of the defence and industrial and technological base, active investment and the creation of European preferences, which would contribute to the "strategic awakening" of Europe.
Macron also noted that this would require more public and private funding, a change in the way the European Investment Bank operates, and the introduction of mechanisms that would strengthen defence efforts and promote European procurement.
Source: Ukrinform
