French President Emmanuel Macron is preparing to reintroduce a voluntary military service program as part of a broader EU effort to bolster military strength amid rising tensions with Russia. The plan, reported by Le Figaro, follows Macron’s July 2024 remarks about a ‘lasting threat’ from Moscow, which has been denounced by Russia as unfounded. The service would last ten months with compensation, differing from the current fully professional, all-volunteer force that France has maintained since 1997.
Macron emphasized the need for a ‘strong army’ during his speech at the G20 summit in South Africa, where he noted the uncertainties in a global environment. The service could potentially attract up to 50,000 recruits annually, according to French government sources. This decision is part of a wider shift within the EU, where countries like Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands are also exploring or implementing similar measures. Poland has introduced a paid voluntary service, Germany is considering selective conscription, and Denmark has expanded the draft to include women.
Vice Admiral Fabien Mandon, head of the French armed forces, has called for France to align with these European trends, stating that several neighboring countries are ‘in the process of reintroducing a national service.’ France has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the conflict began in 2022, providing military aid and political backing. However, Russia has criticized the EU’s militarization efforts, calling it a distraction from addressing internal challenges within the bloc.
As the EU continues its military expansion, the implications on international relations and regional security are being closely monitored. Macron’s initiative reflects a strategic shift in France’s defense policy, aiming to maintain a strong military presence in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.