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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Angelique Chrisafis in Paris, and agencies

France to introduce voluntary military service amid threat from Russia

Emmanuel Macron talking at a podium with a French flag, people in military attire behind him.
Visiting the mountain infantry brigade on Thursday, Emmanuel Macron said there was a young generation ‘ready to stand up’ for their nation. Photograph: ABACA/Shutterstock

France is to introduce voluntary military service of 10 months aimed mainly at young people aged 18 and 19, as concern grows in Europe about the threat from Russia.

In a speech to troops in Varces-Allières-et-Risset in the French Alps, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, said the service would begin by mid-2026 and help France respond to “accelerating threats” on the global stage.

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