Macron announced plans to boost France's military spending from 2.1% to 5% of GDP.

French President Emmanuel Macron presented to parliamentary factions and groups gathered on Thursday, February 20, at the Élysée Palace, the idea of increasing France's military spending from 2.1% to 5% of GDP.

This possibility is being considered in the event that the United States decides to no longer protect Europe through NATO, as reported by France Inter, citing several participants of the meeting.

The president revisited this topic on Thursday evening while responding to questions from internet users about Ukraine, Russia, and Trump on social media.

Macron noted that "we are entering a new era." "There is a risk," he added, "we are entering a time when we will have to invest even more money, both in France and in Europe, to strengthen our defense and security."

When asked about the figure of 5%, the president replied that he does not know whether "5% is a sufficient figure for France, but in any case, we will need to increase this spending."

Macron does not rule out launching a "cumulative mechanism" to support funding for defense programs.

"We are entering a time when each of us must ask ourselves what we can do for the French nation and the Republic," and in this sense, such a savings mechanism would be "a very good idea," he remarked.

The president also emphasized that he has no intention of sending troops to Ukraine.

"Instead, we are considering sending forces to guarantee peace after an agreement has been reached," he said.

Background. Reminder: Macron confirmed that he will travel to Washington next week with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He discussed what he would talk about with Trump and emphasized that he would not like Europe to purchase weapons from the U.S.

As reported, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk proposes funding assistance to Ukraine from frozen Russian assets. Additionally, he calls for the adoption of new financial mechanisms to increase spending on European defense.