French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a new national military service plan on Thursday as France seeks to bolster its armed forces to address growing concerns over Russia’s threat to European nations beyond the war in Ukraine.

Mr Macron announced that volunteers aged 18 and 19 will start serving next year in a new 10-month military service programme.

“A new national service is set to be gradually established, starting from next summer,” Mr Macron said in a speech at the Varces military base, in the French Alps.

“In this uncertain world where power prevails over law and war is an ever-present reality, our nation has no right to fear, panic, unpreparedness, or division.”

Young volunteers will serve in France’s mainland and overseas territories only, not in its military operations abr

See Full Page