Macron Launches Voluntary Military Service to Bolster France’s Defense
Paris, The Gulf Observer: President Emmanuel Macron has announced the launch of a new voluntary military service program for young French citizens, aimed at reinforcing the country’s defense capabilities amid heightened security concerns stemming from Russia’s growing threat to Europe.
Speaking at the Varces military base in the French Alps, Macron said that beginning next year, thousands of volunteers aged 18 and 19 will serve in uniform for a period of 10 months within France’s mainland and overseas territories. They will not be deployed in foreign military operations.
“A new national service is set to be gradually established starting from next summer,” Macron said. “In this uncertain world where power prevails over law and war is an ever-present reality, our nation has no right to fear, panic, unpreparedness, or division.”
According to the plan, an initial group of 3,000 youth will be selected next summer, with the program scaling up to 10,000 volunteers annually by 2030. France aims to eventually reach 50,000 volunteers per year by 2035, though Macron noted this figure may be adjusted based on global developments.
Volunteers will hold official military status, receiving wages and equipment. After a one-month training phase, they will serve for nine months within designated units, performing the same duties as active-duty troops. Following their service, participants will join the military reserve while continuing their education or entering the workforce. Those who wish may pursue a professional career in the armed forces.
Macron emphasized that France is not reintroducing conscription, which ended in 1996. Mandatory service could only be enacted under “exceptional circumstances” with parliamentary approval, and only for youths identified during a compulsory one-day defense course.
The initiative comes as part of France’s broader effort to bolster its defense posture in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine and rising geopolitical instability. Macron has committed an additional €6.5 billion in military spending over the next two years and aims to raise annual defense expenditure to €64 billion by 2027—double the level when he first took office in 2017.
The 2026–2030 defense budget includes more than €2 billion dedicated to the new national service program.
France currently has around 200,000 active military personnel and more than 40,000 reservists, making its armed forces the second largest in the EU after Poland. The government intends to expand the reserve force to 100,000 by 2030.
The announcement follows recent remarks by France’s new army chief of staff, Gen. Fabien Mandon, who warned of the nation’s need to prepare for the possibility of “losing its children” in the event of a confrontation with Russia—comments that sparked widespread political debate.
