Support for increased defense spending is growing in France and the United Kingdom.

Changes in Trump's administration policy are driving increased support for defense spending in France and the United Kingdom

According to new polls, changes in Trump's administration policy towards Europe and Ukraine are contributing to an increase in support for defense spending in France and the United Kingdom. According to an Ipsos survey for La Tribune Dimanche, 68% of respondents in France strongly support or tend to support increasing the defense budget, while 66% are in favor of funding it through deficit spending. In the United Kingdom, about 44% believe such spending should be increased, even if it leads to additional government borrowing, tax increases, or cuts to other public services, Bloomberg reports.

The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, are jointly supporting Ukraine amid the United States' retreat under Trump, including a commitment to send troops to Ukraine if necessary to ensure peace with Russia.

Macron and Starmer's popularity is rising

These efforts have contributed to the growing authority of European leaders in the domestic market. According to an Ifop survey for Ouest-France, Macron's popularity rose to 31% in March, which is seven points higher than the previous month. An Ipsos survey in the United Kingdom showed that Starmer's support also increased - 30% of respondents believe he is doing well in his duties, which is seven points more than last month. According to a recent YouGov poll, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has surpassed ultra-right challenger Nigel Farage for the first Time since October.

France is ready to increase military spending and provide aid to Ukraine

French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that France supports Ukraine and plans to increase military spending. He emphasized that 'a target of 100 billion euros per year would be acceptable for the French armed forces' compared to the anticipated defense budget for 2025, which stands at 50.5 billion euros. Furthermore, Lecornu announced new military assistance to Ukraine, noting that France plans to transfer old equipment from the French army to Ukraine, including AMX-10RC armored vehicles.