France, July 14 -- President Emmanuel Macron has called for a massive boost to France's defence spending, saying freedom in Europe was facing a greater threat than at any time since the end of World War II.

"We are living a pivotal moment," Macron said on Sunday in a speech to the armed forces on the eve of the national Bastille Day holiday.

The president announced 6.5 billion euros in extra military spending- €3.5 billion in 2026 and €3 billion in 2027 -to face new and unprecedented threats from Russia, terrorism and online attacks.

He referred to the "permanence of a Russian threat" at Europe's borders, from the Caucasus to the Arctic, denouncing"imperialist policies", "annexing powers" and the notion that "might is right...