Can French 'War Culture' Lead Europe's Rearmament Push?

Europe is facing a pivotal moment in its history, with increasing pressure to bolster its defense capabilities amid growing geopolitical instability. France, with its distinct "war culture" and robust defense industry, is positioning itself to take a leading role in this European rearmament effort. But can France's approach truly lead the way for a unified and effective European defense strategy?

A Wake-Up Call for Europe

The war in Ukraine has served as a stark reminder to European nations of their vulnerability and the need to invest in their own security. For decades, many European countries have relied heavily on the United States and NATO for defense, often falling short of agreed-upon military spending targets. However, with a shifting U.S. foreign policy and a resurgent Russia, the urgency for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense has become undeniable.

French President Emmanuel Macron has been a vocal advocate for increased European defense spending and strategic autonomy. In March 2025, Macron called on European nations to dramatically increase their yearly defense spending to over 3 percent of GDP. He argued that Russia has been significantly increasing its defense spending, and Europe needs to prepare for the future. Macron has also hinted at proposing a new defense budget for France, despite lacking a parliamentary majority to pass it.

France's Military Prowess and Ambitions

France possesses a unique "war culture" shaped by its history, military traditions, and a strong sense of national sovereignty. Unlike some other European nations, France has consistently maintained a significant military presence and has been willing to deploy its forces in various international conflicts. This proactive approach to defense, coupled with a well-developed domestic arms industry, gives France a distinct advantage in leading Europe's rearmament efforts.

France's defense industry accounts for over 25% of European capabilities, with 5,000 companies and 400,000 jobs in the defense sector. Major French defense companies like Dassault Aviation, Naval Group, Airbus Group, MBDA, Nexter, Safran, and Thales are global leaders in their respective fields. The French defense sector has been an exception to the rule and is doing rather well in France, even if the country's defense budget is often difficult to balance. Between 2010 and 2015, the annual volume of orders for French armaments has virtually tripled, rising from around €5 billion to almost €15 billion.

France abandoned conscription in 1996 and its armed forces of 260,000, comprised of the Army, Navy, and Air Forces, have been professionalized since. France has also developed its own nuclear deterrence capability that is a modernized strategic nuclear force made up of the Oceanic Strategic Force and the Strategic Air Force.

Challenges to a Unified European Defense

Despite France's ambitions and capabilities, several challenges remain in forging a truly unified European defense strategy. One major obstacle is the differing priorities and threat perceptions among European nations. Some countries, particularly those in Eastern Europe, view Russia as the primary threat and prioritize strengthening ties with NATO and the United States. Others, like France, emphasize the need for greater European strategic autonomy and a more independent defense capability.

Another challenge is the issue of funding. While there is growing consensus on the need to increase defense spending, disagreements persist on how to allocate resources and whether to prioritize national defense industries or promote greater European cooperation in arms procurement. Macron has urged the EU to raid EU cohesion funds and existing funding programs "that aren't being used" to massively jolt European defense budgets. He suggested giving a mandate to the Commission to use innovative funding, such as common borrowing or the European Stability Mechanism, to invest an initial €200 billion.

The Role of the EU and NATO

The European Union has been working to strengthen its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to enhance its ability to respond to crises and promote peace and security. The CSDP enables the Union to take a leading role in peacekeeping operations, conflict prevention, and strengthening international security. The EU has also established permanent political, military, and civilian structures to manage crises and act as a global security actor.

However, the relationship between the EU's defense initiatives and NATO remains a sensitive issue. Some worry that a stronger EU defense capability could undermine NATO's role and create unnecessary duplication. Others argue that a more capable European pillar within NATO would strengthen the alliance as a whole.

France considers the core of European military defense to reside in its alliance with the United States and NATO, it also aspires to be regarded as the vanguard of a 'European Defence' by promoting strategic autonomy at the European level.

Public Opinion and Political Obstacles

Public opinion within France and across Europe also plays a crucial role in shaping defense policy. While there is general support for maintaining strong armed forces, there is less enthusiasm for increasing military spending at the expense of social programs or raising taxes.

Macron's calls for more military spending without tax increases have sparked fears over future cuts to social programs. Opposition parties and unions worry that social spending will be sacrificed on the altar of the defense effort, and that warmongering will be used as a pretext to push through unpopular austerity measures.

Furthermore, a recent poll showed that almost two-thirds of people in France no longer consider the U.S. to be an ally to France. While 67% of respondents are in favor of sending troops to Ukraine after the war, after the signing of a peace agreement with Moscow to guarantee security and peace in Ukraine, 75% say they are not prepared to pay more taxes to fund this.

A Shift in Global Dynamics

The push for European rearmament is also influenced by broader shifts in global dynamics. The rise of China, increasing instability in the Middle East and Africa, and the growing threat of cyber warfare all contribute to the need for Europe to strengthen its defense capabilities.

Moreover, the perception of a shifting U.S. foreign policy, particularly under President Trump, has accelerated the drive for European strategic autonomy. The EU is aiming to build up its military-industrial complex to deter Russia and brace for the U.S. shift away from Europe. The EU is freezing out United States arms-makers from its massive new defense spending plan, which aims to splash the cash for EU and allied countries.

Conclusion

France's "war culture," robust defense industry, and political ambition position it as a potential leader in Europe's rearmament push. However, the path towards a unified and effective European defense strategy is fraught with challenges. Differing priorities among member states, funding disagreements, the relationship with NATO, and domestic political considerations all need to be addressed.

Whether France can successfully navigate these obstacles and lead Europe towards greater strategic autonomy remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Europe is at a crossroads, and the decisions made in the coming years will have profound implications for its security and its role in the world.