Macron details new voluntary military service in France

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced details of a new voluntary military service program set to be rolled out from mid-2026. The program is designed to offer several pathways at its conclusion, allowing participants to reintegrate into civilian life, join the military reserves, or continue serving in the armed forces.

The president said the 10-month-long program will begin next year and mainly involve people aged 18 and 19 years old. Macron explained that the initiative envisages enrolling 3,000 participants in 2026 and 50,000 per year by 2035.