Starting in the summer of 2026, 18- and 19-year-olds will be able to volunteer for military service. Initially, 3,000 people per year will be involved, and in ten years, the goal is to increase to 50,000, according to Macron.
They will serve only on French soil. Since the proposal was raised earlier this year, it has been justified by a growing threat on the European continent, where France is seen as needing to demonstrate strength.
The President emphasizes that the young volunteer soldiers will also learn a lot that will benefit them in their continued professional lives.
"This is an important measure. It will be indispensable," the president said, according to the newspaper Le Monde .
The proposal has been reported to be in the works for some time, as a smaller step than a return to full-fledged conscription. It is also reported to have broad support in the French parliament.
France abolished conscription in 1996. According to Macron, a "hybrid model" is now being formed in which young people and volunteers take their place alongside reservists and professional soldiers, albeit only within France.
