In recent years, Europe has been experiencing a period of instability caused by geopolitical shifts, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and growing aggression from Russia. In this context, France, which has traditionally positioned itself as a key player in European security, is taking measures to strengthen its defense capabilities. On November 27, 2025, President Emmanuel Macron officially announced the introduction of a new voluntary military service (Service National Volontaire, SNV), which will start in the summer of 2026. This decision has caused a wide resonance: from support in political circles to debates about the need for “mobilization of the nation.” But why is France taking this step now?
The main impetus for introducing voluntary service is the perceived threat from Russia. According to France’s National Strategic Review for 2025, the country must prepare for “the possibility of a major, high-intensity conflict in Europe by 2027–2030,” including an increase in hybrid attacks on its territory. Macron has repeatedly emphasized that “French youth must always be ready to mobilize and defend the country’s interests.” He has stated bluntly: “We cannot return to conscription, but we need to mobilize the nation for its own defense — not against a specific enemy, but to be ready and respected.”
France is not alone in its concerns. Many European countries are responding in a similar manner: Germany is introducing a new voluntary service to attract recruits, Belgium is sending letters to 17-year-olds inviting them to enlist, and Poland plans to train up to 100,000 volunteers annually starting in 2027. The introduction of the SNV in France is part of this wave aimed at creating the “mass” of reservists necessary for the survival of the armed forces in the event of conflict, as noted by the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Pierre Schille.
France abolished compulsory military service back in 2001, transitioning to a fully professional army of around 205,000 personnel. This decision was motivated by a desire to increase the professionalism of the troops, but today, in the context of global instability, it has shown its limitations. The current army and 47,000 reservists (with plans to increase to 80,000 by 2030) are not large enough to counter large-scale threats.
The program is designed for volunteers aged 18–19 and lasts 10 months. Service will take place in metropolitan France and overseas territories, without participation in foreign operations. The plans are ambitious: 2,000–3,000 recruits in the first year, up to 10,000 by 2030, and 50,000 annually by 2035. This will create a reserve of 105,000 people — a ratio of one reservist for every two active soldiers.
The service will be paid, making it an attractive alternative to civilian programs such as Service National Universel (SNU), which currently covers only 40,000 young people per year. According to Macron, this is not only about military training, but also about the “moral strength of the nation” in the face of growing threats.
The introduction of SNV is also a political maneuver. In France’s polarized society, the idea has found rare support from both the left and the right. It fits into Macron’s agenda of “preparing the nation,” emphasizing his role as commander-in-chief. In addition, the service could promote social cohesion: in the past, compulsory conscription brought together young people from different walks of life, and today it could reduce tensions in the suburbs and among migrants.
However, there was some controversy. Army chief General Fabien Mendon caused a scandal by stating that “France will have to accept the loss of our children” in the event of war, which was interpreted as a call for sacrifice. Left-wing politicians saw this as militarism, but Macron distanced himself, focusing on voluntarism.
The introduction of voluntary military service in France is a response to the challenges of the 21st century: from Russian aggression to the need for “mass” defense. As security expert Eric Lasconiaras noted, the voluntary format turns service into a “moral obligation” rather than a burden. By 2035, this could radically change the structure of the French armed forces, making the country more resilient. For Europe as a whole, this is a signal: the time for passive defense is over. France, like its neighbors, is choosing the path of strengthening itself by involving young people — voluntarily, but resolutely.