PARIS – France’s annual Bastille Day national celebration has taken on unprecedented global meaning in 2025, blending a display of cross-continental European solidarity with Ukraine, a demonstration of the bloc’s collective military capability, and unexpected disruptions driven by a record-breaking red-alert heat wave and spreading wildfires. This year’s parade along Paris’ iconic Champs-Élysées marks the final Bastille Day of Emmanuel Macron’s current presidential term, and he has framed the event as a clear message to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump: Europe remains unified, and is ready to take greater responsibility for its own defense.
European troops and warplanes join Paris Bastille Day parade in a show of unity for Ukraine
