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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
RFI

Macron unveils voluntary military service as concerns grow over Russia

France's President Emmanuel Macron, reviews troops and students of an army high school prior to his speech at the military base in Varces, French Alps, on 27 November, 2025. AP - Pool

President Emmanuel Macron has announced the creation of a voluntary youth military service to start by mid-2026 as France moves to strengthen its armed forces amid rising concern over Russia’s threat beyond the war in Ukraine.

The plan comes as several European nations worry about US President Donald Trump's shifting priorities and the impact of Russia’s aggressive posture.

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