France is set to introduce voluntary military service aimed mainly at 18 and 19 year old men and women, with the aim of each person serving for a ten month period. The proposal comes at a time of a heightened regional security concerns surrounding Russia, and an increasing focus on European need for defence.

The plan has a projected cost of 2 billion euros, but President Macron, during the announcement of the plan at a French military base, declared that, ‘the only way to avoid danger is to prepare for it.’

A time of a heightened regional security concerns…

The security environment in Europe continues to change as the relationship between Russia and the West evolves. During an interview with French local media, President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that these young people would be assigned to missions nationally and stated that nobody will be sent to fight in Ukraine.

Macron’s goal is to have mobilised up to 50,000 young people by 2035. Participants will receive a minimum of €800 per month as well as food and accommodation. The national service is completely voluntary and Macron has clearly stated, ‘We cannot return to the time of conscription’, addressing French citizen’s concerns regarding a return to mandatory service.

Macron’s goal is to have mobilised up to 50,000 young people by 2035

Polls indicate that a majority of the public are in support of the military plans with a recent survey finding that 73% are in favour of the programme. The French government withdrew conscription policies in 1996, however the current geopolitical situation involving Europe, the US, and Russia has caused some European countries to revert to national military service campaigns. 

Days after Macron’s announcement, in December 2025, the German parliament, the Bundestag, voted to introduce a voluntary military service for 18 year olds. In the past weeks, the Belgian defence ministry has sent letters inviting 17 year olds to volunteer for national military service. The UK government currently has no known plans to introduce such measures. 

The UK government currently has no known plans to introduce such measures. 

This trend in increased military and defence spending reflects a broader European focus on mobilisation and readiness for potential conflict. Macron’s decision to announce this policy seems to follow a pattern of uncertainty around what President Trump’s next actions regarding the protection of Ukraine might be.

The increased movement across Europe toward various forms of national service reflects the continent’s concerns over future steps by Russia, and Trump’s America, creating shifting dynamics in international relations.

 

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