France will launch a voluntary 10-month military service programme next summer, becoming the latest EU nation to signal readiness for potential conflict amid rising concerns over Russia.
President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the plan during a speech to troops in Varces-Allières-et-Risset, announcing that the expanded national service will target volunteers aged 18 to 19. With this move, France becomes the first major European — and first nuclear-armed — country to bring back a form of military service.
Macron stressed that volunteers will serve only within France and will not be deployed to Ukraine. The Élysée said participants will receive “serious” combat training aimed at strengthening national preparedness and morale. The programme aims to recruit about 3,000 volunteers in its first year, with the potential to grow to 50,000 annually as military officials warn they are “preparing for a confrontation with our countries by 2030.”
The announcement comes as fears of a Russian attack continue to rise across Europe. France’s top general recently warned the nation “must be prepared to lose its children,” while the United States has urged Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own defence. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, many European armies struggle to recruit, retain trained personnel, and maintain strong reserves.
Several European countries maintain or have revived conscription, including Nordic and Baltic states. Finland holds one of the largest reserves through universal male conscription, while Sweden has reintroduced selective conscription requiring registration for both men and women.
In the UK, General Sir Richard Barrons cautioned that Britain has failed to invest in the capabilities needed for a prolonged war. Rating the nation’s civil defence “one out of 10,” he criticised the belief that long wars are no longer possible. Speaking at the Long War Conference 2025, he warned that with current defence production levels, “at best, we will be quite ready in about 10 years.”
