French lawmakers approve additional 36 billion euros for armed forces

Two and a half years after its initial adoption, French lawmakers today approved a revision of the military spending law for the period 2024-2030, allocating an additional 36 billion euros in a context marked by wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

The law, which sets out the main priorities and resources for the French armed forces until 2030, is expected to bring total military spending to 436 billion euros by the end of the decade, French media reported.

"The law allows us to respond to an accelerating threat," French Minister Catherine Vautrin said after the vote.

The bill was passed in the first reading with 440 votes in favor and 122 against.

The bill is expected to be sent to the upper house of parliament — the Senate — on June 2nd.

While it does not plan to change the structure of the armed forces, the law highlights areas of investment deemed necessary. These include ammunition, with more rockets and grenades, as well as drones.