Macron proposes to raise EU's defense spending to 3.5% of GDP

PARIS -- French President Emmanuel Macron proposed on Sunday that the European Union (EU) member states should raise their defense spending to 3 to 3.5 percent of the EU's total gross domestic product (GDP).

Speaking to the French daily Le Figaro after participating in a defense summit in London, Macron said EU member states should invest "heavily" in European defense to prepare for America's eventual disengagement and to ensure Europe's security.

The French president suggested raising considerable amounts together through joint loans or even the European Stability Mechanism. "We probably need initially 200 billion euros ($208 billion) to kick off," he added.

According to statistics published by the European Council, in 2024, the EU member states' total defense expenditure reached an estimated 326 billion euros, about 1.9 percent of the EU's gross domestic product (GDP).

Regarding Ukraine, Macon told Le Figaro that he didn't believe in the possible ceasefire signed by the Americans and Russians.

He, along with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, had proposed a one-month "truce" in Ukraine, he said.

Macron stressed again that the European troops would only be deployed to Ukraine after the peace should be established.