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  France’s Macron calls for major hike in defence spending: ‘To be free, we must be feared’ France President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday called for a substantial rise in France’s defence spending over the next two years, citing imminent threats, particularly Russia. “To be free in this world, we need to be feared,” the French leader said, noting he wants to see a €3.5 billion hike in defence spending in 2026, and by another €3 billion in 2027. Lawmakers will need to approve such measures. Issued on:  13/07/2025 - 18:06 Modified:  13/07/2025 - 18:12 2 min Reading time By: FRANCE 24 / FRANCE 24 Video by: FRANCE 24 / FRANCE 24 French President  Emmanuel Macron  on Sunday announced 6.5 billion euros in extra military spending in the next two years because of new and unprecedented threats, from  Russia  to terrorists to online attacks. The French leader laid out the spending plans in a sweeping speech calling for intensified efforts to protect Europe. He said...

  The Bright Side: French military pigeons race in tribute to feathered World War heroes France The French army ceased to rely on messenger pigeons back in 1961, following the Algerian war of independence. But carrier pigeons still take part in military ceremonies and races, honouring the memory of their predecessors that served in both World Wars. Issued on:  14/07/2025 - 07:15 Modified:  14/07/2025 - 07:13 4 min Reading time By: FRANCE 24 / FRANCE 24 Around 200 carrier pigeons live at Mont Valérien near Paris.  © Bertrand Guay, AFP These days, French military pigeon number 193-529 is no longer needed to carry tiny messages during war-time communication blackouts. But the racing bird serves as a reminder of the brave service of its predecessors in World Wars I and II, and the 1870 siege of  Paris . Read more Paris to build memorial for WWI animal heroes Inside Europe's last military pigeon loft, Sergeant Sylvain cradled 193-529, an alert feathered athlete with ...

  France's first lady Brigitte Macron steps up legal battle over gender rumours France France’s first lady is taking her fight to the country's highest appeals court after two women were cleared by a lower court of spreading false rumours online that she used to be a man, her lawyer said Monday. Reading time French first lady Brigitte Macron looks on during a state banquet at the Guildhall in London on the second day of a three-day state visit to Britain, July 9, 2025,  © Ludovic Marin, AFP France 's first lady has taken her case against two  women  over claims she used to be man to the highest appeals court after a lower court let them off, her lawyer said Monday. On Thursday, the  Paris  appeals court overturned earlier convictions against the two women for spreading false claims – that went viral online – that  Brigitte Macron , 72, used to be a man. Disinformation on Macron's gender  has circulated on social media for years. Her 24-y...

  Trump to hit Mexico, EU with 30% tariffs from August 1, rattling major US trading partners Americas President Donald Trump on Saturday announced a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union starting on August 1, ramping up pressure for deals in his trade wars. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen criticized the tariffs, but said the EU was ready to keep working towards an agreement to avert the meaures. French President Emmanuel Macron reacted by calling on the bloc to plan “credible countermeasures”. Issued on:  12/07/2025 - 15:51 Modified:  12/07/2025 - 23:07 5 min Reading time By: FRANCE 24 / FRANCE 24 A 3D-printed miniature model depicting US President Donald Trump, US flag and word "Tariffs" in this illustration, April 17, 2025.  © Dado Ruvic, Reuters President  Donald Trump  on Saturday announced he's levying  tariffs  of 30% against the  European Union  and  Mexico  starting August 1, a move tha...