France revives voluntary military service amid Russia tensions

France revives voluntary military service amid Russia tensions

France will reintroduce a limited form of military service next summer, over 25 years after ending conscription, as President Emmanuel Macron warned of rising threats from Russia. The voluntary program will offer 18- and 19-year-olds 10 months of paid training, with participants earning at least €800 monthly.

Macron frames move as 'necessary preparation'

Speaking at an infantry base near Grenoble, Macron declared, "The only way to avoid danger is to prepare for it." He emphasized the need for national mobilization, stating, "In this uncertain world where might triumphs over right, war is in the present tense." The initiative, dubbed 'national service,' aims to integrate 3,000 volunteers in its first year, scaling to 50,000 by 2035.

France's current military comprises 200,000 active personnel and 47,000 reservists. The new scheme will create a three-tier system: professionals, reservists, and volunteers. Defense officials hope it will build a pool of trained personnel for non-combat roles and encourage long-term military careers.

"The new military service moves us toward a hybridized armed forces model. We went too far with an all-professional approach."

Thomas Gassilloud, president of the National Assembly's defense committee

Broader European trend as Russia tensions rise

France joins a growing list of European nations reinstating military service amid fears of Russian aggression. Belgium and the Netherlands now offer voluntary programs, while Germany plans a similar initiative. Belgium's defense ministry recently mailed 17-year-olds, inviting them to enlist for roughly €2,000 monthly.

In Eastern Europe, Lithuania and Latvia enforce compulsory service via lottery, while Sweden-now a NATO member-runs a 9- to 15-month merit-based program. Finland and Greece never abandoned conscription, and Switzerland will vote Sunday on replacing male-only mandatory service with universal civic duty.

Public support high despite skepticism

A recent Elabe poll found 73% of French citizens back the measure, including 60% of young adults aged 25-34. Street interviews in Paris revealed mixed but largely positive reactions. "It's a way to love your nation more," said Louis, 22, while Eilan, another student, noted its potential for social cohesion: "You meet people from everywhere and learn to trust them."

Critics, however, question the focus on defense over youth welfare. "There are more important issues-mental health, financial struggles-than military service," argued Lalie, a 21-year-old shop assistant. Funding concerns also loom, with France's debt crisis delaying the 2026 budget approval.

Historical context and past failures

Conscription, a fixture since the French Revolution, ended in 2001 under President Jacques Chirac, following the Cold War's conclusion. The Algerian War (1954-62) marked the last conflict involving French conscripts, with over 12,000 fatalities. Later attempts to revive civic-military ties-like Macron's 2018 Universal National Service, a four-week civic training program-faltered due to low attendance and criticism as a costly "holiday camp."

Military leaders warn of 'sacrifice' ahead

General Fabien Mandon, France's new chief-of-staff, recently stated that military planning assumes a confrontation with Russia within three to four years. His remarks-including a call to prepare for potential war casualties-drew backlash from far-left and far-right factions. Macron later clarified that recruits would not deploy to Ukraine.

The government has repeatedly flagged Russian disinformation campaigns and covert operations as justification for heightened readiness. Polls suggest the public broadly accepts the need for preparation, though debates persist over priorities and implementation.