Macron Marks Final Bastille Day as President with €36 Billion Defense Spending Boost

In his traditional pre-Bastille Day address to the armed forces on July 13, 2026, President Emmanuel Macron announced an additional €36 billion for France's defense budget over the next five years, telling troops the increase in spending since 2017 was 'a commitment that has been fulfilled.' Macron framed the boost as necessary preparation for a world 'more dangerous than at any point since the end of the Second World War' and said France and Europe would defend freedom 'even at the cost of blood' if necessary. The following day's parade — his last as president — was the largest in French history, with nearly 6,700 troops, 98 aircraft, 31 helicopters and 315 vehicles, including contingents from 11 European countries and roughly 500 troops from Coalition of the Willing states supporting Ukraine's postwar security.