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.

Almost 30 years after France scrapped conscription, Macron said he would not go back on that decision, but added: “We need mobilisation.”

“France cannot remain idle,” Macron said. He believed French youth had a “thirst for engagement”, saying there was a young generation “ready to stand up” for their nation.

Under the new military service, men and women, mostly aged 18 and 19, could volunteer to sig

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