France Needs ‘Strong Army,’ Macron Says Amid Alleged Russian Threat
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans for a voluntary military service program, aiming to bolster France’s armed forces in response to perceived Russian threats. The proposal, which allows for a ten-month service period with compensation, is part of a wider EU initiative to strengthen military capabilities following the Ukraine conflict. This move comes as France seeks to address concerns about its national security in an increasingly volatile international environment.
Macron’s announcement was made amid a broader European trend of increased defense spending and militarization. The French leader’s decision to reintroduce voluntary service marks a significant shift from France’s 1997 policy of a fully professional, all-volunteer force. The program is expected to accommodate up to 50,000 recruits annually, according to government sources.
France’s effort to expand its armed forces is part of a wider European effort to enhance military readiness. Similar initiatives have been adopted by several EU nations, including Poland, which has rolled out a paid voluntary basic military service. Germany has approved a new military-service model that could shift to selective conscription if volunteer numbers fall short. The Netherlands is engaged in a public debate over potential reintroduction of the draft. Other countries like Latvia and Croatia have reinstated compulsory military service, while Denmark has expanded the draft to include women.
General Fabien Mandon, chief of staff of the armed forces, recently argued that France should not ignore this broader European trend, noting that several of its neighbors are ‘in the process of reintroducing a national service.’
France has been among the strongest backers of Kiev since the conflict with Russia began, providing weapons, training, and political support. However, Russia has condemned what it calls the EU’s ‘reckless militarization,’ describing increased defense spending in the bloc as a distraction from internal woes.