French President Emmanuel Macron has outlined plans for a big increase in defence spending, warning Europe's liberty is facing a "greater threat" than at any time since the end of World War Two. In a speech to the armed forces in Paris, he said "we are living in a pivotal moment" due to complex geopolitics.

On the eve of France's National Day, the president promises "a new, historic, and essential effort" to rearm the country, which will include a salary increase for the military. Emmanuel Macron has used his traditional speech on July 13,

French President Emmanuel Macron increases military budget by 6.5 billion euros for the next two years to strengthen European defense.