France Accelerates Defense Budget Increase Amid Global Tensions and Joins European Military Exercise in Greenland

On January 15, 2026, President Emmanuel Macron urged French parliamentarians to approve a significant increase in the nation's defense budget, emphasizing the urgency of responding to escalating global threats. Speaking at the military airbase in Istres, Macron highlighted the necessity of accelerating France's rearmament, stating, "To remain free, one must be feared; to be feared, one must be powerful. And to be powerful in this brutal world, we must act more quickly and more forcefully." He called for adopting the Military Programming Law (LPM) adjustments, proposing an additional €36 billion for defense from 2026 to 2030, starting with €3.5 billion in 2026, to preserve operational credibility and prepare for potential major future engagements.

Simultaneously, France has taken part in a new European military mission in Greenland in response to strategic tensions in the Arctic region. Alongside Sweden, Germany, and Norway, French forces are participating in the Danish-led exercise 'Arctic Endurance,' geared toward reconnaissance and supporting Denmark’s security. Roughly fifteen French mountain specialists have been stationed in Nuuk, Greenland's capital. This deployment counters recent provocative declarations from former US President Donald Trump, who expressed ambitions to take control of Greenland—a move that has caused significant diplomatic friction between the US, Denmark, and Greenlandic authorities.

Denmark's Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, reiterated concerns that only the US has claimed it can guarantee Arctic security against Russian and Chinese threats, while European nations assert their role in regional defense. The European military presence aims to affirm Danish sovereignty and signal NATO's commitment to Arctic security. Russia has criticized NATO's increased military activities in Greenland, accusing the alliance of militarizing the North under the guise of countering Moscow and Beijing.

In an effort to bolster diplomatic ties, France plans to open a consulate in Greenland on February 6, further cementing its strategic interests in the Arctic.

These developments underscore France's dual strategy in 2026: bolstering national defense capabilities amid rising global uncertainties and actively participating in international military cooperation to safeguard European interests in geopolitically sensitive regions like the Arctic.