French Finance Minister Éric Lombard announced that Bpifrance, the country’s public investment bank, will launch a €450 million ($490 million) defense-focused fund aimed at strengthening France’s military capabilities amid growing security concerns.

The fund will allow French citizens to invest with a minimum contribution of €500, reflecting the government’s commitment to public participation in national defense initiatives. This move is part of France’s broader efforts to increase military spending, particularly in response to geopolitical shifts and heightened concerns over Russia’s influence.

However, financial challenges remain. François Villeroy de Galhau, a European Central Bank (ECB) official, warned that rising defense expenditures must be managed carefully given France’s high deficit and public debt levels.