France to reintroduce voluntary military service

TT

Updated 12.37 | Published 12.16

 

Emmanuel Macron announced the decision during a visit to a military school in Varces on Thursday. Photo: Thomas Padilla/Poolfoto Via AP/TT

France is re-introducing voluntary military service for young people, President Emmanuel Macron announced according to French media.

Starting in the summer of 2026, 18- and 19-year-olds will be able to volunteer for service. Initially, it will be 3,000 people a year and in ten years, the number will be 50,000, according to Macron.

They will serve only on French soil. Since the proposal was raised earlier this year, it has been justified by a growing threat on the European continent, where France is considered to need to demonstrate strength.

The president emphasizes that the young volunteer soldiers will also learn a lot that will benefit them in their future professional lives.

“This is an important measure. It will be indispensable,” the president says, according to the newspaper Le Monde.

The proposal has been reported to be in the works for some time, as a smaller step than a return to regular conscription. It is also reported to have broad support in the French parliament.

France abolished conscription in 1996. According to Macron, a “hybrid model” is now being formed in which young people and volunteers take their place alongside reservists and professional soldiers, albeit only within France.