Macron Pushes Security and Climate Priorities at NATO Summit Amid Rising Global Tensions

French President Emmanuel Macron took center stage at the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, forcefully condemning Russia’s recent aggression in Ukraine and urging Europe to strengthen its defense posture. Macron specifically denounced the attack on Dnipro, reaffirming France’s unwavering support for Ukraine and calling for a united European response to Russian destabilization.

During the summit, NATO members agreed to a significant increase in defense spending, committing to a new target of 5% of GDP by 2035. This move, seen as a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s demands, splits the spending into 3.5% for core military expenses and 1.5% for related defense activities, including cybersecurity and infrastructure. The agreement also reaffirmed NATO’s collective defense guarantee under Article 5 and pledged continued support for Ukraine’s security.

Beyond the NATO agenda, Macron held bilateral talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the current truce in the region and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Macron also expressed solidarity with Qatar following an Iranian attack and called for de-escalation and renewed negotiations in the Middle East.

On climate policy, Macron reiterated France’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. However, at the recent EU leaders’ summit, Macron advocated for delaying the adoption of the EU’s next climate target for 2040, arguing that Europe must balance climate ambition with economic competitiveness. He has sought support from other EU leaders, including Poland, to postpone the bloc’s proposed 90% emissions reduction target by 2040, sparking debate among European policymakers.

Macron also welcomed a historic peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, expressing hope for lasting stability in the Great Lakes region.

As global security challenges intensify, Macron’s diplomatic efforts at the NATO summit and beyond underscore France’s dual focus on defense and climate leadership, even as debates continue over the pace and ambition of European climate targets.