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France marked the national holiday of July 14 with the traditional military parade on the Champs-Élysées and a grand fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower, also dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the twinning between Paris and Rome.
French President Emmanuel Macron used the ceremony to convey a message of a "strategic awakening" for Europe in the face of security challenges. It was the tenth and final parade he will lead as president before his term ends in 2027.
The parade was attended by 6,686 soldiers, including 500 members of the Coalition of Volunteers and 25 Ukrainian soldiers. Numerous European leaders were in the official stands, including Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
This year's parade was significantly expanded, with about 30% more military vehicles and aircraft than in previous years. For the first time, planes and helicopters flew over columns of tanks to simulate battlefield scenarios, showcasing what French authorities described as a "modernized army." France has doubled its military budget between 2017 and 2026.
Special spectacle for Paris and Rome
The fireworks at the Eiffel Tower were accompanied by a special show titled "Paris-Rome", in honor of the 70-year relationship between the two European capitals.
The twinning between Paris and Rome was established on January 30, 1956, a little over a year before the signing of the Treaty of Rome, an important moment in the process of European construction after World War II.
The artistic spectacle presented the combination of symbols and monuments of the two cities, highlighting the connection between culture, heritage and European identity. The performance was also accompanied by the song “La Dolce Vita” by Fedez, Tananai and Mara Sattei.
Macron: Europe must be ready to defend its values
In his traditional speech to the armed forces, Macron declared that Europe is ready to defend freedom and law, even if this requires great sacrifices.
"Europe is becoming a power committed to peace, but ready to fight for its values," said the French president.
Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin said the increase in the military budget allows France to face growing threats despite financial constraints. The French parliament approved the increase in defense spending for the period 2024-2030, bringing the fund to 436 billion euros from the 400 billion euros initially projected.
The allies gathered in Paris also pledged to continue military, financial and civilian support for Ukraine, while simultaneously increasing economic pressure on Russia.
10th anniversary of the terrorist attack in Nice
The July 14 celebrations were also held in memory of the victims of the terrorist attack in Nice, where on July 14, 2016, 86 people lost their lives and over 400 others were injured on the "Promenade des Anglais".
In honor of the victims, the traditional fireworks at the Eiffel Tower were moved to July 13, while in Nice 86 beams of light illuminated the sky in memory of those killed.
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