France rejects U.S. criticism over NATO defense spending

France defends its military budget after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claims it spends too little on defense.

France's President Emmanuel Macron reviews the troops during a military ceremony at the Digital Support and Cyber Command (CATNC) of the French Army as part of his annual address to France's Armed Forces, in Cesson-Sévigné, near Rennes, western France, on January 20, 2025. Photo by Stephane Mahe/AFP/Getty Images

By Clarisa Sendy and Nada Fadiyah

France has dismissed criticism from newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding its defense spending, asserting that it meets NATO’s target of allocating 2% of its GDP to military expenditures. The French government emphasized that its military budget is set to double by 2030 and that its armed forces remain fully capable of executing large-scale operations abroad.

Rubio, who recently took office as the top U.S. diplomat under President Donald Trump’s administration, has been vocal in urging NATO allies to increase their military budgets. Trump has been pressuring NATO member states to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, a target that no country—including the United States—currently meets.

In an interview on Thursday, Rubio singled out France and Germany as examples of European nations that, in his view, contribute too little to defense. Speaking on The Megyn Kelly Show podcast, he contrasted their spending levels with those of NATO members closer to Russia, such as Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia, which allocate a higher percentage of their GDP to military budgets.

“It’s interesting—and in fairness, Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia, the closer you are to Russia, the more they are spending as a percentage of GDP on national defense,” Rubio said. “But then you have countries like France and Germany, big, powerful economies, and they don’t spend as much on national security.”

He further argued that some European nations rely on the assumption that the United States will protect them in case of an attack, allowing them to prioritize social programs over military investments.

France defends its military spending and NATO contributions

The French Foreign Ministry swiftly responded to Rubio’s remarks, rejecting the notion that France lags behind in defense spending. In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed that France is among the 23 NATO member states that already meet the alliance’s 2% GDP spending guideline. It also highlighted France’s plans to significantly expand its defense budget over the coming years.

"France has been consistently increasing its defense investments and remains fully committed to NATO," the ministry stated. "By 2030, our defense budget will have doubled, ensuring that we maintain our capacity to lead and execute large-scale military operations abroad."

As the only European Union member with nuclear capabilities, France has long advocated for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security. This position has gained traction since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, reinforcing calls for stronger European defense cooperation.

According to data from the World Bank, France's defense spending rose to 2.1% of GDP in 2023, surpassing the NATO benchmark after spending years just below the threshold.

The ongoing debate over NATO military spending

Rubio’s comments reflect a broader debate within NATO about defense contributions, a recurring issue in transatlantic relations. Since his first presidency, Trump has repeatedly criticized European allies for not spending enough on defense, arguing that the financial burden falls disproportionately on the United States. His administration’s renewed push for a 5% GDP target has reignited discussions over military expenditures across NATO member states.

While some European nations, particularly those bordering Russia, have ramped up their defense budgets in response to rising security threats, others have resisted drastic increases, citing economic constraints and domestic policy priorities. France, for its part, insists that it is already meeting its obligations and contributing to NATO’s collective security in meaningful ways.

Despite tensions over spending targets, France remains a key player in European defense initiatives. It has taken a leadership role in military operations in Africa and the Middle East and continues to support Ukraine through military aid and strategic coordination within NATO.

Europe’s path to stronger defense capabilities

The push for increased European defense spending has gained momentum in recent years, particularly as security concerns have intensified following Russia’s actions in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron has been a vocal proponent of European strategic autonomy, arguing that the continent should reduce its dependence on the United States for security.

In addition to maintaining a robust defense budget, France has been a driving force behind European defense projects, including the European Defense Fund and the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) initiative. These efforts aim to enhance military coordination among EU member states and develop joint defense capabilities.

As NATO leaders prepare for upcoming summits, discussions over defense spending and burden-sharing will remain central to the alliance’s agenda. France’s firm stance against Rubio’s criticism signals that European nations are prepared to defend their military contributions while navigating the evolving geopolitical landscape.

The debate over NATO’s financial commitments is unlikely to fade anytime soon, but France’s response underscores its commitment to both the alliance and European security. While disagreements over spending levels persist, the overarching goal remains the same: ensuring the collective defense of NATO member states in an increasingly uncertain world.