Europe Will Defend Itself ‘With Blood, if Necessary,’ Macron Says
France and allies are forming a Multinational Force for Ukraine and an Anti-Ballistic Coalition to enhance European strategic autonomy.
Europe Will Defend Itself ‘With Blood, if Necessary,’ Macron Says
President Emmanuel Macron of France declared on Monday, that Europeans are prepared to defend their continent, freedom, and the rule of law at the cost of blood if necessary
. The statement came during a traditional address to France's armed forces on the eve of the July 14 Bastille Day military parade.
The remarks preceded a summit of the "Coalition of the Willing," a group launched by France and the United Kingdom in 2025 to provide military support to Ukraine. More than 25 leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, convened in Paris to cement plans for a Multinational Force for Ukraine. This force would be deployed following a cease-fire to reinforce the Ukrainian Army and stabilize the country. Officials in Paris said the force is set to be officially declared ready at the summit, with joint military exercises expected to be scheduled.
While France, Britain, and Spain have expressed readiness to send troops, the United States has ruled out deploying American ground troops. Washington is not a formal member of the coalition, though it would be involved in monitoring a cease-fire. The Kremlin dismissed the gathering as a coalition of warmongers
, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that the leaders do not want peace
and warning that any foreign forces would be legitimate targets
.
Strategic Autonomy and Military Spending
Mr. Macron's address served as a farewell to the military before he steps down from the presidency next May. He described a strategic awakening
in which Europe is in the process of becoming a power
capable of independent action. He characterized this strategic autonomy as an independence of analysis, in decision and in action
that makes France great
.
This shift follows a period of perceived vulnerability as the United States steps back from its role as the guarantor of European security. Mr. Macron highlighted that France began rearming before the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine and before instability in the Sahel and the Middle East. He noted that his commitment to increase the defense budget has been kept.
| France Military Budget Year | Amount (Euros) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 32 billion | $37 billion |
| this year | 57 billion | $65 billion |
Mr. Macron stated that spending will have doubled by the time he leaves office. The National Assembly recently approved an update to the French Military Programming Law for 2024–2030, adding 36 billion euros to the original 400 billion euro plan.
The President's current stance contrasts with his first year in office, when Gen. Pierre de Villiers, the chief of France’s general staff, resigned abruptly following a clash over plans to cut military funding.
Air Defense and Transatlantic Relations
A central focus of the summit is the development of a homegrown air defense industry for Ukraine. France announced it is joining eight other European nations, including Germany and Britain, to form an Anti-Ballistic Coalition. This group aims to create an integrated missile defense architecture to deter future threats.
The effort follows a recent move by U.S. President Donald Trump to approve licenses for Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air-defense systems. France and Spain are also accelerating the development of a new generation of interceptors for deployment to Ukraine to counter Russian ballistic missiles.
The Elysee described the current environment as one of renewed transatlantic convergence and unity
. European leaders have noted a warmer approach from Mr. Trump at a June G7 meeting in Évian-les-Bains and a recent NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. Additionally, Washington recently advanced bipartisan legislation targeting countries that purchase Russian energy.
The Path Forward
The Coalition of the Willing now comprises 37 countries, having recently added North Macedonia and Moldova. In January, the group adopted the Paris Declaration to establish security guarantees and cease-fire monitoring.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, a cease-fire remains a distant prospect as Ukraine’s air defenses struggle under repeated Russian ballistic missile strikes. President Zelensky continues to call for increased military aid as the invasion enters its fifth year.
Mr. Macron concluded his remarks by urging continued investment in pan-European defense projects, warning against nationalism following the collapse of the Franco-German Future Combat Air System (SCAF) fighter jet initiative. Patriotism, yes; nationalism, never!
he declared.
