The annual Bastille Day celebrations in Paris are set to showcase France's military prowess and send a 'strategic signal' about Europe's renewed focus on defence. This year's parade, which begins at 10am local time (9am BST), will feature over 6,500 soldiers and 500 troops from countries involved in the Coalition of the Willing, including Germany and Ukraine. The event marks a significant moment in European military cooperation, with many leaders staying overnight in Paris after talks on Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron, who is hosting the event, has a strong guest list and will make his final appearance in the parade before next year's presidential election.
Elsewhere, EU accession talks are underway in Brussels, with Albania, Moldova, Montenegro, and Ukraine making progress in their bids to join the European Union. The EU's enlargement commissioner, Marta Kos, has described the situation as a 'Super Tuesday' due to the number of accession conferences taking place simultaneously. Montenegro is reportedly the frontrunner to join the EU, with over half of the required 'clusters' closed.