France positions itself as ‘driving force’ behind Europe’s rearmament

France has reaffirmed its leading role in driving Europe’s defence ramp-up, counting on Germany as a strategic ally and backing new EU defence funding instruments. 

On Monday, the French prime minister’s office published a 100-page strategic review outlining the country’s priorities until 2030 in response to a “changing strategic context”.  

France aims to strengthen Europe’s role within the NATO alliance – historically led by the United States – while advancing the continent’s strategic autonomy amid Washington’s gradual disengagement from Europe, according to the document.

Paris believes the best way to achieve this is by reinforcing the “essential role” of the Franco-German partnership.

“France and Germany will jointly contribute to strengthening Europe's integration, capacity for action and defence capability”, the strategy lays out.  

Other key bilateral partnerships cited include the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. Poland – Europe’s largest NATO spender – ranks only fifth in importance.

More funding  

Macron said the increase should be driven by "more activity and more production", not by further debt. However, it remains unclear where the additional funding will come from.    

Prime Minister François Bayrou is expected to present the 2026 budget bill on Tuesday, which should outline how the additional defence spending will be financed.

The proposal, however, is likely to be rejected by all opposition parties, and French media report that the ensuing parliamentary debate could threaten Bayrou's position in the autumn.

France currently has a budget deficit of 5.4% of GDP – more than 2% above the EU's 3% limit. So far, 16 EU countries have requested to activate the Commission's national escape clause, allowing them to exceed the deficit ceiling and borrow up to an additional 1.5% of annual GDP for defence over the next four years.

Asked by Euractiv how the Commission views France's proposed defence spending, a spokesperson said such increases "should be done without undermining fiscal discipline".

European funding tools

As of now, France still has not made clear whether it will take part in SAFE.

EU countries have until December to submit joint projects to the Commission. France could chip in on projects including space communications, surface-to-air defence, and tactical and strategic air transport, the strategy notes.  

(aw)