French President Emmanuel Macron implemented the Service national universel (SNU), the General National Service, which will be optional for all male and female citizens aged 15 to 17 starting in 2021. This voluntary service lasts for a month and can be performed in both civil and military facilities. The aim of this civil conscription service is to convey French values, to strengthen social cohesion and to promote social engagement. As is emphasized, it is not a matter of reintroducing conscription.[1][2] This service will finally replace the mandatory Journée Défense et Citoyenneté (JDC), the "Defence and Citizenship Day", that was established in 1998, after suspending conscription for the military service.[3]
- ^ "Le service national universel (SNU) : Jeunesse engagée". Ministère de l'Education Nationale et de la Jeunesse.
- ^ "France begins trial of civic service for teens". France 24. June 16, 2019.
- ^ "Témoignage". www.defense.gouv.fr. Retrieved 2020-05-26.