French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Europe is facing its biggest threat since World War II. He said that Europe's freedom is currently facing a grave threat that has not been seen since World War II.

The British media outlet BBC reported this information in a report on Monday (July 14).

In a speech to the French armed forces in Paris, President Macron said, "We are at a crucial juncture," where global politics has become extremely complex and uncertain.

He said that France will increase defense spending by 3.5 billion euros starting next year and another 3 billion euros by 2027. According to his plan, France's military budget will be doubled by 2027, which will be implemented three years earlier than previously planned.

The BBC says that France's defense budget in 2017 was 32 billion euros. According to Macron's proposed plan, the budget will rise to 64 billion euros over the next two years. However, this proposal is awaiting approval by the French parliament.

In this speech given the day before Bastille Day, President Macron said, "To be free in this world, you have to be afraid. And to be afraid, you have to be strong."

He called Russia's aggression an "imperialist policy" and reiterated his strong stance against Russian aggression in Ukraine. "Today's world is once again returning to a nuclear power race and major conflicts," he said.

NATO allies recently decided to increase military spending to 5 percent of GDP, up from 2 percent. The United Kingdom has also announced its own defense review. “This will send a message to Moscow,” said Defense Minister John Healy.

Meanwhile, French Army Chief of Staff Thierry Barcard said on Friday that “Russia sees France as its main rival in Europe.” He warned that “what is happening in Ukraine is shaping Europe’s future.”