France Needs a Strong Army, Macron Says Amid Rising Tensions
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to reintroduce a voluntary military service program, aiming to bolster France’s armed forces amid growing security concerns, particularly in relation to Russia. The move reflects a broader trend across the European Union as countries seek to enhance their defense capabilities following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Macron emphasized the need for a ‘strong army’ to navigate an increasingly uncertain global landscape, stating, ‘In a world of uncertainty and rising tensions… France must continue to be a strong nation with a strong army.’
Under the proposed initiative, France would reintroduce a ten-month voluntary military service option with compensation, following the suspension of conscription in 1997 under former President Jacques Chirac. The new program would mark a departure from the country’s current all-volunteer force model, reflecting a strategic shift in defense policy. While the details of the program remain unclear, reports suggest that up to 50,000 individuals could potentially participate annually, according to government sources.
Macron’s announcement aligns with similar efforts by other EU nations, including Poland, which has implemented a paid voluntary basic military service, and Germany, which has approved a new military-service model that could transition to selective conscription if volunteer numbers fall short. The Netherlands is engaged in a public debate over the potential reintroduction of the draft, while countries like Latvia and Croatia have reinstated compulsory military service. Denmark has also expanded its draft to include women, highlighting the continent’s shifting approach to national defense.
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 a strong supporter of Ukraine since the conflict began, providing weapons, training, and political backing. However, Russia has condemned the EU’s ‘reckless militarization,’ describing increased defense spending as a distraction from internal challenges. The new voluntary service program is part of France’s continued commitment to regional security and its alignment with European defense initiatives.