France to Reintroduce Voluntary Military Service Amid Rising European Security Concerns

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to announce the return of voluntary military service in France, aiming to bolster national defense in response to growing security threats in Europe, particularly from Russia. The government plans to recruit 3,000 volunteers by 2026 and expand to 50,000 by 2035, marking a significant enhancement to France's defense structure.

This new initiative will establish a third pillar of national defense alongside professional soldiers and reservists. Unlike the former Service national universel (SNU), which will be discontinued due to its unclear objectives and funding difficulties, the reintroduced voluntary service focuses on training soldiers who will be combat-ready but not deployed to front lines.

The program is designed to enhance the security apparatus within France, with an estimated budget that could reach up to 2 billion euros upon achieving the full target of 50,000 volunteers. Political editor Christophe Barbier emphasized that this new structure is essential to strengthen France’s defense policy amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

This move comes as part of a strategic response to the heightened security concerns in Europe, reflecting the necessity for a more robust and versatile defense force. By reinstating voluntary military service, the French government seeks to foster greater national resilience and preparedness while addressing previous shortcomings of the SNU program.