France introduces voluntary youth military service

France is set to introduce a voluntary military service for young people by mid-2026, a major defence shift announced by President Emmanuel Macron on November 27th, who says its necessary as the country confronts “accelerating threats” on the world stage, reports Reuters.

The plan places France among a growing number of European nations rethinking their security as geopolitical pressures mount.

Macron detailed the initiative during a speech at the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade in Varces in the French Alps. The move seems to be a response to uncertainties surrounding U.S. security commitments and global threats to European security, with Russia’s increasingly aggressive posture following its invasion of Ukraine.

He argued that “France cannot remain idle,” emphasising that the programme draws inspiration from approaches already adopted by other European partners.

After months of political squabbling, Germany’s coalition government decided on a new military service plan to increase army numbers, the BBC reported on November 13th.

All 18-year-old men in Germany will be required by the new military service plan to complete a questionnaire on their eligibility for service and, starting in 2027, to go through a medical screening.

France has drastically increased its commitments to defence spending in recent years, Macron has confirmed that France’s defence budget will reach €64 billion by 2027.

The voluntary service will target 18- and 19-year-olds, run for ten months, and provide pay for participants, who will serve exclusively within France. Macron estimated the cost at 2 billion euros, calling it “a significant and necessary effort.”

The government plans to begin with 3,000 participants in 2026 and expand to 10,000 by 2030. Looking further ahead, Macron said his ambition is to involve 50,000 young people by 2035, depending on evolving security risks.

Participants will have several paths after completing the programme: reintegration into civilian life, joining the reserves, or continuing within the armed forces. Macron stressed that the initiative does not signal a return to mandatory national service, saying, “We cannot return to the time of conscription,” and argued that France requires a “hybrid army model” combining active forces, reservists, and national service youth.

French officials aim to increase the number of reservists to 100,000 by 2030, up from roughly 47,000, which would bring the total military personnel to about 210,000. Aides to Macron noted that polls show strong support for the armed forces among 18- to 25-year-olds.

The announcement has unfolded amid controversy sparked by remarks from General Fabien Mandon, France’s armed forces chief, who recently warned that the country must prepare for the possibility of future losses in the face of Russian hostility.

Macron sought to calm public reaction, insisting that France must “dispel any confused idea” about sending young people to Ukraine.

Reuters, BBC, Maghrebi.org