A limited form of military service will be re-introduced in France in response to growing fears of a confrontation with Russia.
More than 25 years after conscription was phased out, the plan will see young men and women volunteering for a paid 10 months of military training.
The only way to avoid danger is to prepare for it, President Emmanuel Macron said while announcing the plan at an infantry base near Grenoble in south-east France. We need to mobilise, mobilising the nation to defend itself, to be ready and remain respected.
The new national service will be brought in gradually from next summer, mainly for 18- and 19-year-olds, who will receive at least €800 (£700) a month.
In this uncertain world where might triumphs over right, war is in the present tense, said Macron. The armed forces would benefit from motivated young French men and women, he added: It is an act of trust in our youth.
Initially, numbers will be restricted to 3,000 next year, but this should rise to 50,000 by 2035.
France currently has around 200,000 military personnel and a further 47,000 reservists. The new scheme should usher in a three-tier structure, comprising professionals, reservists and volunteers.
The change brings France in line with other European countries that have launched military service schemes - with varying parameters - because of fears of Russian aggression.
Belgium and the Netherlands have introduced a voluntary military service, and Germany is planning something similar.
Recently, the newly appointed chief-of-staff, Gen Fabien Mandon, took the alarm to a new level when he said French military planning was built around the assumption of a confrontation with Russia in the next three or four years.
Polls show a large majority of the public in favour of voluntary military service. An Elabe survey this week found that 73% supported the measure. Young people – aged 25-34 – were the least supportive, but even in this age group there was a 60% majority.
