France will introduce a voluntary military service lasting 10 months, mainly for young people aged 18 and 19. This plan comes as Europe worries more about threats from Russia.
President Emmanuel Macron announced it during a speech to troops in the French Alps. He said the service will start by mid-2026 and help France respond to growing dangers around the world.
Almost 30 years after ending compulsory conscription, Macron stressed he would not bring it back. But he added that France needs greater mobilisation from its people.