Europe Ramps Up Military Preparedness Amid Russia Threat

France is reintroducing a limited form of military service, 25 years after conscription was phased out, in response to growing fears of a confrontation with Russia. The new 'national service' will be voluntary, with 3,000 young men and women participating next year, rising to 50,000 by 2035. Participants will receive at least €800 per month for 10 months of military training. The move is part of a broader European trend, with countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany introducing or planning to introduce similar schemes. French military chiefs support the measure, hoping it will create a reservoir of trained personnel and encourage some to pursue full military careers. The decision has been met with a largely positive response from the public, with 73% supporting the measure in a recent survey.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has warned that Russia may attack NATO by 2029, citing intelligence reports. Wadephul stated that Russia is creating the option for itself to wage war against NATO by 2029. Retired Gen. Philip Breedlove, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, agrees with the assessment, saying Putin's intentions extend far beyond Ukraine and aim to reshape all of Eastern Europe. The warnings come as the US pushes forward with a proposed Russia-Ukraine peace deal, with President Donald Trump saying he will not meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin or Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy until the agreement is complete.

France has announced a new national military service for individuals over 18 amid growing concerns about the Russian threat. President Emmanuel Macron stated that the move is necessary to protect France from potential aggression. The decision comes as several European countries are strengthening their defenses in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine. Russia has denied any threat to wider Europe and accused European leaders of warmongering. The new service aims to bolster France's military, which is already the second-largest in the EU.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a new military service plan to boost the country's armed forces in response to the threat posed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The plan involves a 10-month military service program for 18- and 19-year-old volunteers starting next year. Macron stated that the move is driven by Russia's aggression and aims to mobilize young people to serve the country. The program will not involve conscription, but rather voluntary service, with participants serving in France's mainland and overseas territories. The announcement is part of a broader effort to increase France's military spending, with a planned investment of €6.5 billion in the next two years and a goal of doubling annual defense spending to €64 billion by 2027. France currently has 200,000 active military personnel and aims to increase its reservists from 40,000 to 100,000 by 2030.

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit China next week, aiming to establish a framework for EU-China relations that serves mutual interests. Macron wants Europe to be recognized as a major partner by China, rather than being seen as a variable in tensions between China and other nations. He plans to propose a rebalancing of trade, commitments on security and peace, and a new kind of relationship between the two sides. The visit is expected to focus on areas of mutual interest, such as advanced chips, rare earths, and technological innovation.