“Macron detailed the voluntary service plan for 18-19-year-olds, which will start in 2026. Funding – 800 euros, selection based on motivation.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
Source: Le Figaro with reference to Macron’s address on November 27, reports “European Truth”
Details: Macron said he believed the decision in 1996 by then-President Jacques Chirac to abolish conscription in France was the right one, because then, after the end of the Cold War, the previous model had become obsolete.
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In his opinion, the return to mandatory military service is unnecessary even now – in the case of a literally general conscription, it would involve hundreds of thousands of young people, which does not meet “the needs of our army, nor the existing threats.”
Only in the case of an extreme situation, with the consent of the parliament, a decision can be made to call up not only such volunteers, but also young people who had no intention of serving, but whose competences most closely correspond to the needs.
All details must be agreed by mid-January 2026. After that, young people will submit their questionnaires, and the army will choose among them the most motivated and those who best meet current needs. Such conscripts will be provided with everything necessary and financial support in the amount of 800 euros.
In 2026, voluntary service will begin to be deployed in the armed forces, and from 2027 – possibly also in other structures, in particular the national gendarmerie.
By the summer of 2026, the first 3,000 volunteers should be selected for military service. By 2030, Macron hopes to increase this number to 10,000, and by 2035 to 50,000. The gradual increase in the number of conscripts rests, among other things, on the need to expand the material and technical base and the instructor staff.
The service will last 10 months. The first month will be devoted to general familiarization with army life and basic skills, after which young people will undergo training in certain units and receive a specific military specialty. If necessary, they will be involved in performing various missions on the territory of the country, such as guarding or helping the population, alongside contractors.
Macron has ruled out the involvement of volunteer conscripts in military missions outside of France.
What happened before:
- In Germany, they agreed on the possibility of mandatory conscription.
- Denmark was the first country in Europe to introduce the possibility of mandatory conscription for military service not only of young men, but also of girls, in case of a lack of volunteers.