France's President Emmanuel Macron announced a voluntary youth military service set to open by mid-2026 to 18- and 19-year-olds Thursday. Thomas Padilla/AFP/Getty Images Reuters —

President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced the creation of a new voluntary youth military service to begin by mid-2026, which would help France respond to “accelerating threats” on the global stage.

The move is part of a broader shift across Europe, where nations who have long enjoyed the decades-long tranquillity of US security guarantees are fretting about President Donald Trump’s shifting priorities and Russia’s aggressive posture.

“France cannot remain idle,” Macron said during a speech at the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade in Varces, in the French Alps.

He said the plan was “inspired b

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