Macron Unveils New Military Service Plan to Bolster French Army

Fri Dec 05 2025 04:47:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Emmanuel Macron is set to announce a new voluntary military service aimed at increasing the strength of the French army, amidst ongoing tensions in Europe. The proposed plan seeks to engage the youth while reassuring the public about France's military commitments.

French President Emmanuel Macron plans to introduce a new voluntary military service lasting 10 months, aimed at attracting youth and strengthening the military amid rising threats, particularly from Russia. Details remain sparse, but Macron has emphasized the service will not deploy young people to combat zones like Ukraine. The initiative reflects a growing concern regarding national security and public service engagement in a changing geopolitical landscape.

President Emmanuel Macron said he will announce a new military service aimed at boosting French army numbers later this week.

Details are scant, but according to French media the scheme would be voluntary, remunerated, and last 10 months.

In an interview with local media, he sought to reassure French people that the plan did not mean young people would be sent to fight in Ukraine. We really need to, right now, dispel any misconception that we're going to send our young people to Ukraine, he said. That's not at all what this is about.

However, Macron stated the new framework was meant to address the desire for service among the youth - and to face the hybrid confrontation waged by Russia. If we French want to protect ourselves... we must show that we are not weak in the face of one power that threatens us the most, he emphasized.

No official details on the new military service have yet been shared, though Macron is expected to elaborate on the proposal during a visit to an army base on Thursday. Reports suggest that volunteers will receive compensation between €900 (£790) and €1000 (£880) per month.

Conscription in France was scrapped in 1996, with the current national service, the Service national universel (SNU), consisting of only two weeks of training followed by community work. Launched in 2019, it has not gained significant traction.

Political reactions vary, with Raphaël Glucksmann advocating for a wider and compulsory service, while the National Rally supports initial mandatory military service for both genders.

Concerns about military readiness have been raised recently, with the French army chief highlighting weaknesses that may jeopardize national safety. Macron's administration reflects a heightened awareness of military capabilities and historical context, especially in light of Russia's aggression in Ukraine and shifting alliances globally.

As military service trends evolve in Europe, Germany and the Baltic nations are also revisiting compulsory service amid growing concerns about Russian intentions.

}