French President Emmanuel Macron is set to reintroduce a voluntary military service program, marking a significant shift in France’s defense strategy amid concerns over Russian aggression. The initiative, first proposed in July, is part of a wider European trend to bolster military capabilities and align with allies such as Poland, Germany, and other EU nations that have taken similar steps. The plan, reported by Le Figaro, involves a ten-month voluntary service option with compensation, replacing the country’s current all-volunteer force, which was established in 1997 when conscription was suspended under President Jacques Chirac.
Macron, speaking at the G20 summit in South Africa, emphasized the need for a strong army in an ‘uncertain world’ marked by rising tensions. He described the Russian threat as ‘lasting,’ a claim that Moscow has dismissed as unfounded. The program, which could see up to 50,000 participants annually, is seen as a response to the escalation of the Ukraine conflict and growing security concerns within the bloc. The move coincides with similar military initiatives by other EU countries, including Poland’s paid voluntary service, Germany’s potential shift to selective conscription, and the Netherlands’ public debate on reintroducing the draft.
France has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the conflict began, providing weapons, training, and political backing. However, Russia has condemned the EU’s increased military spending as a distraction from its domestic challenges. General Fabien Mandon, the head of France’s armed forces, argued that the nation should not ignore the broader European trend, noting that several neighbors are ‘in the process of reintroducing a national service.’ This shift highlights the growing alignment of France with its EU allies in strengthening collective defense capabilities amid perceived security threats.