As Europe’s security landscape undergoes profound shifts, France is moving to reinforce national defense with concrete measures. Macron’s forthcoming voluntary military service plan reflects growing concerns over Russia’s actions in Ukraine and seeks to enhance the country’s readiness for emerging threats.

Macron’s Defense Vision and Service Strategy

According to the French presidency, Macron will highlight the urgency of strengthening national preparedness during his visit to the Varces military base. Earlier this year, the president signaled his intention to offer young French citizens a voluntary pathway into military service, while clarifying that a return to mandatory conscription—abolished in 1996—is not under consideration.

Macron has repeatedly warned that Russia’s war in Ukraine exposes Europe to significant danger. Speaking to RTL radio on Tuesday, he noted, “Every time weakness is signaled to Russia—an actor that made a strategic choice to reclaim imperial power—it continues to push forward wherever it senses vulnerability.”

Expanding Defense Funding and Military Capacity

The president announced plans to inject €6.5 billion into the defense budget over the next two years. Under Macron’s strategy, annual defense spending is expected to reach €64 billion by 2027—double the €32 billion allocated when he first took office in 2017.

France currently fields around 200,000 active military personnel and more than 40,000 reservists, making it the European Union’s second-largest army after Poland. The government aims to increase the reserve force to 100,000 by 2030.

Voluntary Service and National Preparedness

The upcoming program ensures that volunteers will not be sent to combat zones. Seeking to dispel rumors about the deployment of young French citizens abroad, Macron said on Tuesday, “We must immediately clear up any confusion: sending our young people to Ukraine is not and will never be the objective.”

France’s new Chief of Defense Staff, General Fabien Mandon, recently warned that the public should be prepared for potential casualties in the event of a conflict with Russia—remarks that sparked debate across the political spectrum.

Macron also underscored Russia’s track record, recalling its actions in Georgia in 2008, the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. “Based on the intelligence available to us,” he noted, “Russia is organizing itself for a potential confrontation with NATO by 2030 and is preparing accordingly.”

European Trends in Military Service and Defense Policy

France is not alone in fortifying its military capabilities. Germany is moving to expand its voluntary service program, pending parliamentary approval.

Belgium’s defense ministry has notified 17-year-olds that they may register for military service next year, with a plan to select 500 candidates aged 18 to 25.

Poland, driven by fears of Russian expansion, has introduced new volunteer and reserve programs and aims to train 100,000 volunteers annually starting in 2027. Warsaw is exploring a more robust reserve system rather than reinstating universal conscription.

Ten EU countries currently maintain compulsory military service: Austria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden. In Norway—an EU non-member—mandatory service applies to both men and women, with terms ranging from two months to 19 months.