On 20 February 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron declared Europe's determination to take responsibility for ensuring peace and security on the continent, emphasizing that support for Ukraine is a fundamental interest of France. He noted that Europe is ready to increase defense spending both nationally and within the European Union to strengthen its security and provide reliable guarantees to Ukraine.

Macron stressed that the peace process should be based on three key principles: Ukraine's participation in the negotiations with respect for its rights, ensuring long-term peace with reliable guarantees, and taking into account Europe's security interests. He also noted that Europe is ready to take responsibility for ensuring peace and security on the continent, which is a fundamental interest of France.

As part of this effort, France and the UK are developing a plan to create a “reassurance force” of up to 30 troops to protect Ukrainian cities, ports and key infrastructure from possible Russian attacks in the event of a US-brokered peace deal. The initiative aims to secure Ukrainian airspace and protect maritime trade in the Black Sea.

However, there are divisions within the European Union over sending troops to Ukraine after the fighting ends. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed openness to the possible deployment of European troops to Ukraine if a sustainable peace deal is reached, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called the question premature.

In addition to these initiatives, Macron and Starmer are scheduled to visit Washington to meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss a possible peace deal in Ukraine. The meeting is crucial amid recent tensions between the US and Europe and Macron’s desire to strengthen his role as a mediator in the conflict.

Earlier, on February 3, 2025, Macron announced plans to double France's defense budget after the end of current military programs, calling on EU partners to follow suit.

However, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot warned that the country's citizens may have to "tighten their belts" to implement the plans.