France plans voluntary military service amid rising Russia threat

WISE NEWS PRESS / PARIS, FRANCE — Nov. 25, 2025

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to announce a new voluntary military service program this week, as the country's top military brass issues stark warnings about a potential conflict with Russia by the end of the decade.

The urgency of the situation was underscored last week by the newly appointed Chief of the Defence Staff, General Fabien Mandon. Addressing hundreds of mayors, Mandon warned that Russia is preparing for a confrontation with the West by 2030.

"If our country is weak because it is not ready to lose its children, does not want to suffer economic hardship, or avoids calling reality by its name, we are in danger," Mandon declared, signaling a shift in tone regarding the sacrifices French society may need to make.

Modernization and expansion

President Macron has described the current geopolitical landscape as the greatest threat France has faced since 1945. With officials pointing to the rising risk of a "high-intensity major war" in Europe, the government is pursuing an ambitious modernization of its armed forces.

The defense budget, which stood at around €30 billion when Macron took office, is projected to reach €67 billion by 2027. This funding aims not only to acquire new weapons systems but also to expand personnel. The number of reservists has already grown from 28,000 in 2014 to over 47,000 in 2025, with a target of 105,000 by 2035.

'Voluntary Military Service 2.0'

According to French media reports, the new "Voluntary Military Service" (service militaire volontaire) program is expected to launch in 2026. While official details are pending, leaks suggest an initial intake of 3,000 recruits, scaling up to 50,000 annually by 2030.

The 10-month program targets 18-to-20-year-olds and will offer a monthly stipend of €900–€1,000. It is designed to foster national cohesion by bringing together youth from diverse social backgrounds for military training, discipline, and civic education.

Unlike conscription, participants will reportedly serve exclusively within France, supporting domestic security operations like Opération Sentinelle at transport hubs and city centers. Upon completion, they could transition into the army's reserve forces.

Cross-party support

Despite political gridlock over the budget, the military initiative has found rare consensus. Senator Cédric Perrin of the conservative Les Républicains noted that retaining even 10% of volunteers would add 5,000 well-prepared personnel annually. Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National), has also expressed support for the plan.

This initiative follows the less successful "Universal National Service" (SNU) launched in 2019, which focused on civic duty rather than military readiness and is slated to end next year. The new model, driven by a sharper focus on national defense, is expected to resonate more strongly given the heightened security climate in Europe.

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