Macron unveils new French voluntary military service

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.1. 00:00-00:26 SOUNDBITE 1 - Emmanuel Macron, French President (male, French, 26 sec): "A new national service will be introduced, gradually starting next summer This service aims to achieve three specific objectives: strengthening the bond between our nation and our army, enhancing our nation's resilience, and consolidating the education of our youth."2. 00:26-01:00 SOUNDBITE 2 - Emmanuel Macron, French President (male, French, 34 sec): "You embody the youth of France who stand ready, who stand tall, who resonate to the sound of the Marseillaise, who are not afraid to commit to others, who are proud of their country and the republican values it represents. Yes, our youth thirsts for commitment. There exists a generation ready to rise for the homeland. Our army is the natural framework for expressing this need to serve."