France Macron to bring in voluntary military service

France is to introduce voluntary military service of 10 months aimed mainly at young people aged 18 and 19, as concern grows in European countries about Russia.

- Angelique Chrisafis

In a speech to troops in Varces-Allières-et-Risset in the French Alps, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, said the service would begin by mid-2026 and would help France respond to “accelerating threats”.

Almost 30 years after France scrapped conscription, Macron said he would not go back on that decision but added: “We need mobilisation.”

“France cannot remain idle,” Macron said. He believed French youth had a “thirst for engagement”, saying there was a young generation “ready to stand up” for their nation.

Under the new military service, men and women, the majority aged 18 and 19, could volunteer to sign up for 10 months. They would be paid a minimum of €800 (£700) a month and receive food and accommodation, as well as a 75% discount on rail travel. They would be deployed “only on national soil”, Macron said. A minority with specific qualifications, for example in engineering or medical skills, could be aged up to 25.