French President Emmanuel Macron announced a new voluntary military service for citizens aged 18 and 19, commencing next year, aimed at strengthening France’s defenses in light of perceived threats from Russia. This initiative includes a 10-month service period focused on domestic territories, not overseas operations. Macron’s plan follows a significant increase in military spending, projecting 64 billion euros annually by 2027, doubling current expenditures. Concurrently, other European nations like Germany and Poland are also enhancing their military capabilities through similar voluntary service programs, underscoring a collective response to escalating security concerns amid heightened geopolitical tensions in Europe.