In a significant move for European security, France has officially announced it will introduce a voluntary military service programme. This decision comes as the continent grapples with the growing threat of conflict with Russia.
A New National Service for France
President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the new policy during a speech to troops in Varces-Allieres-et-Risset. Beginning next summer, France will start a voluntary military service lasting 10 months. This initiative will focus on recruiting volunteers, primarily young people between the ages of 18 and 19.
Macron was clear that these volunteers would be deployed only on national soil and would not be sent to the frontlines in Ukraine. This makes France the first major European power, and the first with nuclear weapons, to restore a form of military service.
Preparing for a Potential Confrontation
The Élysée Palace stated that participants will undergo serious combat training. The goal is to prepare the nation and boost public morale in the face of increasing threats. Officials aim to enlist 3,000 volunteers in the first year, with plans to potentially expand the programme to 50,000 annually.
This expansion is not happening in a vacuum. The French military has openly stated it is preparing for a confrontation with our countries by 2030. This warning was echoed by France's top general, who recently stated the nation must be prepared to lose its children in a future conflict.
Europe's Broader Defence Landscape
France is not alone in bolstering its defences. Several other European nations already have some form of conscription:
- Finland maintains one of the world's largest reserves through universal male conscription.
- Sweden has reinstated selective conscription with mandatory registration for both genders.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies notes a common problem: most European armies struggle to meet recruitment targets and retain trained personnel. Meanwhile, in the UK, General Sir Richard Barrons issued a stark warning. He criticised Britain's lack of preparation for a long war, rating its civil defence as one out of 10. He cautioned that, at the current pace, the UK would only be ready for a major conflict in about ten years.
The introduction of voluntary service marks a pivotal moment for France and European security, signalling a collective shift towards readiness in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical climate.
