French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced the launch of a new voluntary military service for young people, saying it is needed as the world faces “fast-growing threats.”
The announcement comes at a time when fears are increasing about Russia’s threat to Europe and doubts about whether the United States can still be relied upon for security support.
Speaking at a military base in the French Alps, Macron revealed that men and women aged 18 and 19 will begin a paid 10-month military service programme from next year.
“We cannot return to the old days of conscription. But we need mobilisation. Mobilisation of the nation to defend itself. Not against a specific enemy, but to stay prepared and respected,” he said.
The first group will be limited to 3,000 participants in 2026, but that number is planned to rise to 50,000 by 2035.
Young volunteers will serve only within mainland France and its overseas territories, not in foreign military missions, Macron stated.
“In the event of a major crisis, parliament may permit calling up more than volunteers, especially those whose skills have been identified during this mobilisation. Then national service could become compulsory,” he added.
Top military leaders in France are largely in support of the plan. It brings France in line with other European countries that have recently launched similar military initiatives.
Macron also announced $7.6 billion in additional military funding over the next two years. He said France aims to spend around $74 billion a year on defence by 2027.
France’s armed forces currently include about 200,000 active members and over 40,000 reservists, making it the second largest military in the European Union after Poland.
The country also plans to increase the number of reservists to 100,000 by 2030.
