French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday evening an acceleration of national defence spending, with the budget set to reach €64 billion by 2027 instead of the previously scheduled 2030 target.
The announcement came during Macron’s traditional address to the Armed Forces on the eve of Bastille Day, amid what he described as a “deeply concerning” shift in the global security landscape.
Macron confirmed that the increased funding would not be financed through borrowing but rather by stimulating the national economy. An additional €3.5 billion will be allocated in 2026, followed by €3 billion in 2027, nearly doubling France’s defence expenditure compared to 2017 levels.
He explained that the extra funds would address critical shortcomings, including ammunition shortages, and support the development of smart and precision weaponry, as well as capabilities in unmanned aerial systems, space defence and electronic warfare. The budget will also support the modernisation of ground-based air defence systems.
Macron also announced that he had tasked the Minister of the Armed Forces with initiating a strategic dialogue with European partners on the future role of France’s nuclear deterrence, with the outcome to be presented by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, accompanied by an official delegation, arrived in France on Sunday for an official visit, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.
HH the Amir is accompanied by an official delegation that includes Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, Director General of Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Dr. Meshal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and a number of senior state officials.
The French Presidential Palace said the visit, the first by HH the Amir to France since assuming power, comes within the framework of strong relations based on trust and mutual respect. The two sides seek to develop their relations in a way that enhances strategic partnership in various sectors, including diplomacy, defense, economy, education, health, culture and scientific research.
HH the Amir’s visit also comes ahead of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and France in 1961, an occasion that affirms the depth of the historical ties between the two countries.
HH the Amir attended the official military parade marking France’s National Day (Bastille Day) on July 14, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, and the two later met at the Elysée Palace for a working lunch.
On the economic front, bilateral trade between Kuwait and France reached approximately €2.8 billion (around $3.27 billion) in 2023, with France ranking as Kuwait’s fourth-largest trading partner in Europe. French companies maintain a strong presence in Kuwait, particularly in the sectors of infrastructure, energy, and construction.
Cultural and educational ties also continue to thrive, with France supporting the French language and culture in Kuwait through institutions such as the French School and the French Institute. More than 1,000 students benefit from joint academic programs, while a growing number of Kuwaiti students pursue higher education in France.
In the health sector, leading French medical institutions - including the Gustave Roussy Institute - are contributing to the development of Kuwait’s healthcare services through specialized projects and technical consultations, reflecting expanding collaboration in public service and development fields.
Relations between Kuwait and France stand as a model of enduring friendship and strong partnership, the Elysée emphasized, noting both nations’ mutual commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in a manner that supports regional and global stability.
