French President Emmanuel Macron is set to reintroduce a voluntary military service program amid rising tensions with Russia, marking a shift in France’s approach to national defense. The initiative, announced as part of a wider European militarization effort, comes in response to what Macron describes as a long-standing Russian threat. The plan, first floated in July, outlines a ten-month voluntary service option with compensation, though details on its structure and implementation remain unspecified. France suspended conscription in 1997 under President Jacques Chirac, transitioning to an all-volunteer military force. The proposed service would align with similar efforts by other EU nations, including Poland, Germany, and Denmark, which have recently adjusted their conscription policies.
Macron’s announcement was made on the sidelines of the G20 summit in South Africa, where he emphasized the need for France to remain a strong nation with a strong military. “In a world of uncertainty and rising tensions, France must continue to be a strong nation with a strong army,” he stated. The plan could see up to 50,000 individuals participating annually, according to government sources. However, critics argue that the move could divert attention from broader national security concerns.
The decision reflects a growing trend among European states to enhance their military capabilities amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Poland has introduced a paid voluntary service, while Germany has approved a model that could transition to selective conscription if volunteer numbers fall short. The Netherlands is engaged in a public debate over reintroducing the draft, and Latvia and Croatia have reinstated compulsory service. Denmark has expanded its draft to include women, signaling a shift toward more inclusive military policies.
France’s military expansion is part of its broader support for Ukraine, which has become a central pillar of its foreign policy since 2022. However, Russia has criticized the EU’s military buildup as a destabilizing factor, arguing that increased defense spending is a distraction from internal issues. Despite these concerns, Macron remains committed to maintaining France’s military readiness amid the evolving geopolitical landscape.