President Emmanuel Macron stated that France and Europeans are ready to defend freedom and rights, even at the cost of blood. He emphasized France's rearmament efforts and criticized nationalism.

In his speech addressed to the armed forces, President Emmanuel Macron stated that France and Europeans are willing to defend freedom and rights, even at the cost of blood, evoking the sacrifices of French soldiers. In the context of a "strategic awakening" in Europe, Macron highlighted the rearmament of France, which began before the war in Ukraine.

He emphasized that the defense budget has been doubled during his terms, and a new military programming law will add 36 billion euros for the period 2024-2030. Macron urged the continuation of European industrial projects in defense and rejected nationalism, highlighting the importance of European collaboration in the field of defense. On the same day, he will host a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Coalition, with the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.