Macron orders French infrastructure defense plan following rise in Russian hybrid threats

National security summit at the Élysée

French President Emmanuel Macron met with party leaders, declared candidates for the 2027 presidential election, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, and intelligence and military chiefs at the Élysée Palace on Friday, 18 September 2026. The closed-door session addressed geopolitical security risks facing France and the European Union, focusing on the war in Ukraine, Middle Eastern instability, and energy market vulnerabilities seven months ahead of France's presidential vote. Following the meeting, Macron directed the government to formulate a comprehensive national plan to protect critical infrastructure, energy networks, rail lines, and sensitive defense industry sites from Russian drone intrusions, sabotage, and cyber attacks. The French interior ministry also instructed regional prefects across the country to raise their security alert levels.

Macron outlined the evolving nature of foreign hostilities during his press conference:

In recent weeks, the Russian hybrid threat against Europeans and against France has intensified.

Political consensus and 2027 election divisions

The Élysée meeting brought together figures across the political spectrum, including National Rally leader Jordan Bardella, centre-right former prime minister Édouard Philippe, Ecologist leader Marine Tondelier, and Communist candidate Fabien Roussel. Macron asserted that hybrid aggression aimed to weaken European resolve and halt military assistance to Ukraine, insisting that French support for Kyiv would continue uninterrupted. Marine Le Pen and representatives from the National Rally argued during discussions that existing resources were insufficient to maintain Ukraine aid at current levels. Following the talks, Philippe stated that Macron conveyed a clear message regarding Russian deterrence without entering into direct belligerence, while Roussel noted that intelligence assessments indicated an end to any scenario of rapid conflict resolution.

Escalating drone incidents and European responses

The French defense directive follows a series of security incidents across Europe. In early August 2026, German authorities discovered an explosive-laden drone near Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig airport, an incident attributed by Berlin to Russian operatives. In late August, Romanian fighter jets intercepted an explosive sea drone off the Black Sea coast. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed the Polish parliament on 17 September 2026, warning of a tangible risk of drone or missile strikes on NATO territory that Moscow could stage as accidents to sow discord among allies. On 13 September, a drone struck a passenger train near the Ukrainian-Polish border shortly after former British prime minister Boris Johnson travelled through the area.

Coordinated European security measures

Macron's national directive coincides with broader European Union initiatives against non-military warfare. On 16 September 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed an Emergency Security Protocol modelled on NATO consultation mechanisms to establish rapid collective responses to grey-zone attacks. The proposal includes a European Security Council that would incorporate the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, and Ukraine, supported by specialized funding for air defense and cyber resilience. Earlier that week, on 15 September 2026, the European Parliament passed recommendations for a European Democracy Shield to combat foreign electoral interference and establish an EU Centre for Democratic Resilience. Macron confirmed that France will also convene a G7 energy meeting to address vulnerabilities in global fuel and power distribution.