What's happened
President Macron announced a voluntary military service for 18- and 19-year-olds, aiming to bolster France's defense amid rising European security concerns. The program, costing €2 billion, will last 10 months and is part of a broader effort to increase reservists and military capacity by 2030.
What's behind the headline?
Macron's move to reintroduce a voluntary military service signals a strategic shift in France's defense posture, emphasizing preparedness without reinstating compulsory conscription. The program aims to create a hybrid force of active personnel, reservists, and youth volunteers, reflecting a broader European trend of bolstering military capacity in response to Russia's assertiveness. The emphasis on service on French soil and overseas territories, rather than abroad, underscores a focus on national security. However, comments from France's armed forces chief about accepting potential losses against Russia have sparked controversy, highlighting internal tensions about the country's military readiness and political messaging. This initiative will likely increase France's military reserves to 100,000 by 2030, enhancing its capacity to respond to evolving threats, but it also raises questions about political cohesion and public support for increased military engagement.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports Macron's announcement of a voluntary service scheme open to 18- and 19-year-olds, costing €2 billion, with plans to engage 3,000 in 2026 rising to 10,000 by 2030, and eventually 50,000 by 2035. Sky News highlights Macron's emphasis on a 10-month service, with a €6.5 billion investment in military spending over two years, and clarifies that the program will only serve on French soil and territories. The New York Times discusses the controversy sparked by comments from armed forces chief Gen. Fabien Mandon about accepting potential losses, which Macron has sought to downplay, stressing volunteers won't be sent to Ukraine. Politico notes that in times of crisis, the program could become compulsory, and that France is not considering reintroducing conscription. Reuters contextualizes France's efforts within a broader European trend, citing Germany, Belgium, and Poland's similar initiatives, and details the current military size of around 200,000 active personnel and 40,000 reservists. The Independent emphasizes the geopolitical risks posed by Russia and Macron's warnings about Russia's strategic ambitions, alongside the €6.5 billion military spending increase, and the ongoing debate about the role of military service in France's defense strategy.
How we got here
France ended conscription in 1996 and has since relied on an all-volunteer military. Rising threats from Russia, especially following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, prompted Macron to propose a new voluntary service. The initiative aligns with similar European efforts to strengthen national defenses and reserve forces amid geopolitical tensions.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why is France increasing its military readiness now?
France is ramping up its military efforts amid rising European security concerns. President Macron's new voluntary military scheme and increased defense spending aim to strengthen national reserves and respond to perceived threats from Russia and broader instability in Europe. But what exactly is driving this shift, and what does it mean for the future of European security? Below, we explore the key questions about France’s latest military plans and their implications.
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What is France's new voluntary military scheme and who can join?
France has recently launched a new voluntary military program aimed at 18- and 19-year-olds, marking a significant shift in its defense policy. This initiative is part of France's broader effort to strengthen national security without reintroducing conscription. Many are wondering what this scheme involves, who is eligible, and how it fits into Europe's changing security landscape. Below, we explore the key details and answer common questions about this new military initiative.
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France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in