According to France24, the decision was announced by the President of France during a visit to the military base in Varces in the south-east of the country. France abolished compulsory military conscription in 1996 in favor of professional service. Now, facing new challenges, Macron announced the gradual implementation of voluntary essential service, which is to start in the summer of 2026.
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What changes will France introduce in military service?
When will voluntary military service start in France?
How long will voluntary military service last?
What are the reasons for Macron's decision on compulsory military service?
As the president assured, volunteers will serve only in mainland France and its overseas territories, but without participating in foreign operations. Voluntary conscript service will cover men and women aged 18-19 and will last 10 months.
More than a dozen countries in Europe use various forms of military conscription, but to varying degrees. Compulsory military service already exists in the Baltic countries and Scandinavia, as well as Austria and Switzerland. In Poland, military service is voluntary and lasts 12 months, and mandatory conscription was suspended in 2009.
Emmanuel Macron on military service. He explained the reasons
Macron emphasized that the decision to restore compulsory military service is a response to the international situation, especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The French president and other French politicians warn that Moscow may not stop at Ukraine's borders and threaten the rest of Europe.
According to France24, Paris also intends to significantly increase its defense budget. By the end of 2027, the country will aim to reach EUR 64 billion in annual military spending. This is twice as many as in 2017, when Emmanuel Macron took office.
The French armed forces currently number about 200,000. soldiers and 47 thousand reservists. According to the plans, by 2030 the number of active military personnel is to increase to 210,000 and of reservists to 100,000. Voluntary military service is intended not only to strengthen the army, but also to provide a reserve base. According to the assumptions, it will be 10,000. people by 2030
