14 July 2026: a stronger Europe in support of Ukraine and European security

A major summit for European security and the joint commitment to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine

Building on the G7 Summit in Évian and the NATO Summit, the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on 13 July 2026 was a key event for coordination between partners committed to supporting Ukraine and strengthening European security in the face of the threat that Russia poses over the long term to Euro-Atlantic stability and security.

This meeting marks a new step forward in strengthening Europeans' ability to assume greater responsibility for their security and respond in a coordinated manner to contemporary strategic challenges.

The Coalition of the Willing for peace in Ukraine

The Coalition of the Willing brings together 35 States with a shared commitment to contributing to lasting peace in Ukraine and strengthening the stability of the European area, in close coordination with allied partners and the United States. The Coalition aims to offer Ukraine solid security guarantees for lasting peace, directly contributing to the security of Europe and the Euro-Atlantic area.

Support for Ukraine remains unwavering. It is based on military, industrial and financial resources, in a reciprocal partnership approach: Ukraine itself is contributing to its security and Euro-Atlantic security by defending its freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This summit illustrates a broader movement: that of a Europe taking full responsibility for its security. Europeans are now known for being security suppliers, committed to strengthening the continent's defence and Euro-Atlantic stability. Europe's strategic awakening is leading to a rise in commitments, capacities and cooperation.

The Coalition of the Willing is highly complementary with NATO and with its partner the United States. It is in no way an alternative to the Atlantic Alliance, but rather helps strengthen it. European initiatives contribute to the approach of a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO, thus strengthening the collective defence posture and strategic coherence of the Euro-Atlantic area.

14 July 2026: celebrating national unity and European engagement

On Bastille Day, the French national holiday, the theme of the parade on 14 July 2026 will be "Europe's strategic awakening". It will highlight the commitment of the armed forces and internal security forces, illustrating their synergy to enhance the protection of the Nation and its allies.

This edition takes on particular significance with the presence of the 35 Member States of the Coalition of the Willing, an initiative led by France and the United Kingdom that aims to contribute to lasting peace in Ukraine after hostilities cease.

To honour the victims of the terrorist attack in Nice on 14 July 2016 (86 dead and 458 injured), the fireworks display at the Champ-de-Mars will take place one day earlier this year, on 13 July.

Programme of the military parade

09:50: Arrival of the President of the Republic

10:00: Inspection of the troops

10:13: Salute of the President of the Republic

10:21: Aerial flypast

10:28: Parade of troops on foot

11:30: Military helicopter flypast

11:31: Parade of motorized troops: armed forces and internal security forces

11:48: Parade of mounted troops

11:50: Closing event

12:00: Departure of the President of the Republic

Crédit photo : Philémon Henry/MEAE