President Macron announced on Thursday the creation of a new voluntary military service for young people aged 18 and 19, scheduled to begin in mid-2026.

The initiative aims to strengthen France’s readiness in the face of “increasingly serious threats” worldwide and reflects broader security concerns across Europe, where Russia’s aggressiveness and shifting U.S. priorities under President Donald Trump have raised alarms. 

Speaking before the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade in Varces, in the French Alps, Macron said Europe is entering a critical stage and emphasized that the country “cannot remain idle.”

He noted that the plan is “inspired by the practices of our European partners,” referencing similar programs in Denmark and Germany. 

Macron accompanied the announcement with a renewed message regarding the war in Ukraine, affirming that France seeks “a solid and lasting peace.”

He stressed that the continent’s stability depends on stopping Russian expansion. “At this moment, all our allies are moving toward a common response to a threat that affects us all,” he said. 

What is the Macorn project about?

The voluntary service will last 10 months, include financial compensation, and will require an estimated €2 billion budget. The government expects to recruit 3,000 young participants in 2026—assigned exclusively within French territory—and reach 10,000 by 2030.

Looking further ahead, Macron aims to involve 50,000 young people by 2036, “depending on how threats evolve.” 

Participants may return to civilian life after completing the program, join the reserves, or remain in the armed forces.

Macron stressed that this hybrid model is better suited to France’s needs than the former compulsory military service abolished by Jacques Chirac in 1996—a decision he reaffirmed as correct. “We cannot go back to the era of mandatory conscription,” he said. 

France currently has around 47,000 reservists, but the government aims to increase that number to 100,000 by 2030.

Combined with active-duty members, the French military would reach roughly 210,000 personnel. According to presidential advisers, surveys indicate strong support for the armed forces among 18- to 25-year-olds, which Macron sees as an encouraging sign for the program. 

Macron vs Mandon

The announcement was overshadowed, however, by recent comments from General Fabien Mandon, head of the French armed forces, who sparked controversy when he said France must prepare for “future losses” amid Russian aggression. “What we lack is the strength of character to accept suffering in order to protect who we are,” he stated, adding that France must “accept losing its children.” 

Macron downplayed the remarks and insisted France has no intention of sending troops to Ukraine. “We must immediately dispel any idea suggesting we will deploy our young people to Ukraine,” he said.

Nonetheless, some officials defended the general, including Cedric Perrin, chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and the Armed Forces, who argued that Mandon’s comments had been taken out of context.