France is set to reintroduce a limited form of military service by summer 2026, in response to rising tensions with Russia. This initiative comes more than 25 years after conscription was abolished. Under the plan, young men and women will be able to voluntarily enlist for a paid 10-month military training program.
During the announcement at an infantry base near Grenoble, President Emmanuel Macron stated that preparation is essential to avoid potential dangers, emphasizing the need for national mobilization for self-defense. The new “national service” aims primarily at 18- and 19-year-olds, who would receive a monthly stipend of at least €800 (£700).
The initial enrollment will be capped at 3,000 recruits, with plans to expand to 50,000 by 2035. This program is intended to create a three-tier military structure, incorporating professional soldiers, reservists, and volunteers. Currently, France has about 200,000 active military personnel and an additional 47,000 reservists.
The initiative aligns France with other European nations that have launched similar military service schemes, driven by concerns over Russian aggression. Countries like Belgium and the Netherlands have recently adopted voluntary military programs, while Lithuania and Latvia maintain conscription through a lottery system.
French military leadership supports this measure, which aims to develop a reservoir of trained personnel for various military roles. Concerns regarding a potential confrontation with Russia have increasingly influenced French military discourse, including recent remarks by General Fabien Mandon about the need for a collective readiness.
Public opinion appears largely in favor of this scheme, with a recent survey indicating that 73% of respondents support voluntary military service. However, skepticism remains among some youth regarding the government’s priorities, particularly in relation to mental health and economic issues.
The context for this decision is rooted in a historical tradition of conscription in France, dating back to the French Revolution. The last conscription phase ended under President Jacques Chirac in 1996, and subsequent attempts to instill military service spirit have been met with mixed responses. Despite favorable initial reception for the new program, questions regarding its funding loom amid a national debt crisis.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0edw7g7z79o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss