French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday the launch of a 10-month voluntary military service, set to begin in the summer of 2026, in response to what he described as the escalating "threat" posed by Russia. The move marks a significant shift in French defense policy, nearly three decades after the country officially ended conscription in 1997.

Speaking to French troops in Varces-Allières-et-Risset, southeastern France, Macron said the voluntary national service would initially involve 3,000 youth participants, primarily aged 18 to 19. The program is designed to grow gradually, aiming to incorporate 10,000 volunteers by 2030 and 50,000 by 2035.

Macron emphasized that all participants in the new military service would serve exclusively within national borders, distancing the initiative from any form of international deployment. He also clarified that this remains a volunteer-based program, though with the capacity to expand in exceptional cases.

"In the event of a major crisis, parliament may authorize calling upon individuals beyond just volunteers," Macron stated. "In that case, military service would become mandatory."

Outside of such scenarios, participants will be selected based on the needs of the armed forces.

Program to scale from 3,000 to 50,000 by 2035

The plan begins with 3,000 volunteers next summer, increasing to 10,000 by 2030 and eventually reaching 50,000 by 2035. The service, lasting nearly a year, will provide basic military training and strengthen France’s national defense readiness.

Macron presented the program as a necessary step in ensuring France does not fall behind its European allies, many of whom have ramped up defense measures amid heightened tensions with Moscow.

"At a time when all our European allies are making progress in the face of a threat that affects us all, France cannot remain idle," Macron said.

Macron noted that the new initiative was inspired by national service models in countries like Norway, where young people undergo compulsory or selective military training to support broader national defense strategies.