France leads new European push for voluntary military service as Russian threat looms

WISE NEWS PRESS / BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — Nov. 27, 2025

France has become the latest European Union member to adopt a voluntary military service model, joining a growing continental shift to update defense systems in response to perceived aggression from Russia. The move signals a definitive end to the post-Cold War era of downsizing, as nations scramble to rebuild personnel numbers through incentives rather than mandatory conscription.

Speaking from the Varces military base in the French Alps, President Emmanuel Macron declared that the nation must mobilize to defend itself and command respect. France's new system aims to recruit 3,000 young people by the summer of 2026, with a target of 50,000 recruits by 2035.

The French model targets citizens aged 18 and older for a 10-month service period restricted to national territory, offering a monthly stipend of at least €800.

Germany and Belgium join the recruitment drive

Germany, possessing one of the EU's most powerful conventional armies, has also debated the return of conscription but ultimately settled on a voluntary model. The German government has left the door open to return to mandatory service should the security situation deteriorate, but for now, it plans to attract recruits with a substantial monthly payment of €2,600.

Neighboring Belgium has taken a proactive approach, recently sending invitations to approximately 130,000 17-year-olds to join its voluntary service, which is set to launch in 2026. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken described the initiative as a strategic necessity. Early data indicates strong interest, with over 3,000 registrations for information sessions. Belgian volunteers will receive a net monthly pay of €2,000.

A shift in strategy across the bloc

The trend extends across the bloc. Poland, under Prime Minister Donald Tusk, announced plans to provide military training to every adult male starting in early 2025. Bulgaria and the Netherlands have already implemented similar voluntary systems, while Romania plans to introduce a four-month program for both men and women in 2026.

While voluntary service is gaining ground, mandatory conscription remains in force in countries geographically closer to Russia or with specific security concerns, including Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, and Greece. Croatia is expected to reintroduce mandatory service for men in 2026.

The 'Russian Factor' and NATO warnings

The primary driver behind this military restructuring is the threat of a potential Russian attack. NATO officials and military leaders have issued increasingly stark warnings. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently told the European Parliament, "We are safe now, but we may not be in five years."

French General Fabien Mandon warned on Nov. 18 that Europe is at risk if it hesitates to prioritize defense due to economic concerns. Similarly, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told media that while a Russian attack on NATO was previously estimated for 2029, new assessments suggest an escalation could occur as early as 2028.

Despite these warnings, recruitment remains a challenge. A 2024 study indicated that fewer than one-third of EU citizens would be willing to defend their country in the event of a war. Finland remains a notable exception, where willingness to fight jumped from 65% in 2020 to 83% following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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