France reinstates military service amid anxiety over Russia
France’s President Emmanuel Macron (C) reviews the troops ahead of delivering his speech to unveil a new national military service at the military base in Varces, French Alps, on November 27, 2025. Macron announced a voluntary military service starting in summer 2026.
Image: Thomas Padilla / Pool / AFP
France has announced a new national military service plan, aiming to bolster its armed forces amid escalating concerns over Russia’s threat to Europe beyond the war in Ukraine.
Graphic shows details of military service in Europe.
Image: Graphic News
More than 25 years after conscription was phased out, the plan will see young men and women volunteering for a paid 10 months of military training.
The new national service will be brought in gradually from next summer, mainly for 18- and 19-year-olds, who will receive at least €800 ($925) a month.
Initially, numbers will be restricted to 3,000 next year, but this should rise to 50,000 by 2035.
France currently has around 200,000 military personnel and a further 47,000 reservists. The new scheme should usher in a three-tier structure, comprising professionals, reservists and volunteers, the BBC said.
Graphic News