France Introduces Voluntary Military Service Program to Counter Russian Threat in Europe

The 10-month voluntary military service program in France will commence next summer with an initial cohort of 3,000 participants. (File)

France is establishing a voluntary military service initiative to strengthen its defense capabilities, joining other European Union nations in developing new recruitment strategies in response to Russian aggression. President Emmanuel Macron emphasized during a Thursday event that France requires more young citizens to enlist in the military to ensure the country remains "ready and respected."

The newly announced program will span 10 months and launch next summer, beginning with 3,000 volunteers. Officials project participation to expand to 50,000 individuals by 2035. Participants will exclusively serve within French territory.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, EU member states have significantly increased defense expenditures. Several EU countries have implemented new military service programs and incentives, including Germany, which has committed to developing Europe's most formidable conventional military force.

General Fabien Mandon, France's chief of defense staff, warned last month that the French armed forces must prepare for potential Russian confrontation within three to four years. Mandon sparked controversy with his suggestion that France must be "prepared" to "lose its children" and endure economic hardship to prevent future Russian military aggression.

France, which discontinued mandatory military conscription in 2001, currently maintains a standing military of approximately 205,000 service members. The government has announced plans to more than double its reservist numbers to 105,000 over the next decade.