French President Emmanuel Macron has urged young volunteers to help bolster the ranks of the French army. Speaking on Monday at the Army Digital and Cyber Support Command in western France, Macron emphasized the importance of preparing for future needs by mobilizing and training young people. He also called on European governments to increase their defense spending.
Mobilizing Young Volunteers
During his address, Macron urged the French government and military to draft proposals by May on how to better identify and mobilize young volunteers. “We need to improve how we identify volunteers, understand their skills, support their professional development, and provide training to mobilize them when necessary,” he said.
National Youth Service Success
The president highlighted the success of France’s national youth service program, the Service National Universel (SNU), mentioning his recent meeting with participants. “I had the pleasure of meeting young people who joined the national youth service. It was a delight to reunite with them months later and see their growth,” Macron shared.
Macron clarified that this effort is not about reinstating mandatory military service but rather creating opportunities for willing young people to learn from the military and contribute their skills. The initiative aligns with one of Macron’s 2017 campaign promises, initially proposed as universal military service for all 18-year-olds. However, following criticism, the program was revised and launched on a trial basis in 2019 as the SNU.
Expansion Plans and Budget Cuts
Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced in January 2024 that the program would expand to all 15-to-17-year-olds by the start of the 2026 academic year. Despite its ambitions, the SNU has faced criticism over its high costs. Last week, the French Senate voted to cut nearly the entire €100 million budget for the program, redirecting at least €80 million to France’s struggling sports budget following the conclusion of the Olympic Games.
Divided Opinions on the SNU
Socialist Senator Éric Jeansannetas defended the amendment, arguing that “after five years of experimentation, the SNU does not offer sufficient added value compared to other youth involvement policies to justify its continued funding.” However, Marie Barsacq, the Minister for Sport and Youth, opposed the cuts, calling it “inappropriate to sacrifice the SNU in favor of sport.”
Long-Term Military Goals
France’s long-term military goals include having 210,000 active servicemen and 80,000 reservists by 2030, as outlined in the 2024-2030 military programming law. Adopted in July, the law allocates €413.3 billion to the armed forces and mandates a ratio of two active personnel for every reservist.
Macron’s call to action aims to strengthen the nation’s defense capabilities while providing meaningful opportunities for youth to contribute to national security.
