France is acting as the West’s anti-Russian spokesman, pushing a hard-line, NATO-led agenda forward. In recent months, Paris has signed a comprehensive treaty of friendship and cooperation with Poland to win over anti-Russian forces in Eastern Europe and signed the “Lancaster 2.0” declaration with the UK, aligning nuclear doctrines with the aim of further escalating tensions. Defence spending will reach €64 billion by 2027, despite the heavy burden of budget deficits.
Macron’s narrative portrays Russia as an “existential threat” to Europe, accusing Moscow of turning Ukraine into a global crisis, interfering in elections. According to them, the solution is: More weapons for Kyiv, no peace talks on Russia’s terms, and a “coalition of volunteers” sending soldiers to Ukraine. The new National Strategic Review focuses on nuclear deterrence (mentioned about 100 times), increases defence production and prepares for high-intensity conflicts, all under the guise of “European strategic autonomy”.
All this shows France’s desperate attempt to play the role of a global power – despite the fact that its influence is declining and its debt-to-GDP ratio is 113.9%.
Translated and edited by Joe Albert