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.
Volunteers, both men and women aged mostly 18 and 19, will sign up for 10 months. They will earn at least €800 per month, get free food and housing, and a 75% discount on train tickets.
They will serve only on French soil. People up to age 25 with special skills, like engineering or medicine, can also join.
The program will begin with 3,000 volunteers in 2026, growing to 10,000 by 2030 and possibly 50,000 by 2036. It will cost €2 billion.
After finishing, participants can return to civilian life, become reservists, or join the regular army.
Macron said the idea draws from other European countries like Germany and Denmark, which have similar programs. It responds to worries about Russia's actions and changes in US support.
France has about 200,000 active soldiers and 47,000 reservists now, with plans to increase those numbers by 2030.
The announcement follows comments by armed forces chief Gen Fabien Mandon, who said France must prepare for possible losses against Russia. Macron played down fears of sending youth to fight abroad.
Reactions vary: some politicians support it as a step forward, while others question its priority when France is not at war.
Polls show strong support for the armed forces among 18- to 25-year-olds. Macron believes young people have a thirst for engagement and are ready to stand up for their country.
There are no plans to make service compulsory again, as it was until 1997. Macron called it a hybrid model mixing volunteers, reservists, and professional soldiers.
The service aims to strengthen the army with new recruits and create a larger pool of reservists for emergencies.