France brings back limited military service with 3 000 volunteers next year.

Hugh Schofield   BBC27 November 2025
A form of military service will be re-introduced in France in response to growing fears of a confrontation with Russia.

More than 25 years after conscription was phased out, the plan will see young men and women volunteering for a paid 10 months of military training.

“The only way to avoid danger is to prepare for it,” says President Emmanuel Macron.