France is witnessing a surge of young citizens enlisting in the military, coinciding with ambitious initiatives to restore the nation’s military sovereignty. These developments unfold in a backdrop of enhanced military activity and strategic production endeavors.
Recently, the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier participated in military exercises alongside the American army, demonstrating France’s robust naval capabilities. Among the crew is 18-year-old Ethan, who serves as a helmsman, responsible for steering the impressive 42,000-ton vessel. "Me dire que je conduis un énorme bateau alors que je n'ai pas encore le permis, c'est un peu incroyable," he shared, reflecting on the responsibility and excitement of his role.
Joining Ethan in military service is another eager recruit, Corentin, also 18 years old, who found his calling as a tank commander after finishing high school. He is now part of the elite first regiment of hunters, having undertaken multiple missions abroad. Here, the reality of military life hits home. "On doit apprendre à vivre en communauté, quand on est sur le terrain," he explains, emphasizing the communal bonds formed between soldiers. Corentin's journey is part of a larger trend; annually, around 16,000 young individuals enlist in France's armed forces.
This influx of new recruits is timely, as the French government is actively seeking to reinforce military independence in response to global tensions. President Emmanuel Macron has prioritized the restoration of France's military sovereignty, which includes the revival of strategic gunpowder production at the historic Bergerac factory—a facility that was relocated abroad in 2007.
In April 2024, Macron inaugurated the relaunch of production at the Eurenco factory, which is wholly state-owned. After a year of conducting environmental studies, the official recommencement of operations is set to happen shortly, as announced on March 10, 2025. Eurenco intends to manufacture an impressive 1,200 tons of gunpowder annually starting from 2026. Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated, "The Bergerac factory will produce enough powder to propel 100,000 large-caliber shells: 80,000 for Ukraine and 20,000 for our own forces." This milestone marks a significant step in enhancing domestic production capabilities.
Meanwhile, on March 12, 2025, discussions within the French Finance Ministry focused on implementing a budgeting approach known as "zero-based budgeting" (BBZ). Budget Minister Amélie de Montchalin proposed the technique, which evaluates all expenditures from scratch rather than rolling over previous budgets, meaning every item will be scrutinized and justified annually. "The idea is precisely to ask ourselves: In 2025, in 2026, what are our priorities?" she remarked, acknowledging the challenges of such an approach.
Montchalin further pointed out that adopting zero-based budgeting is fraught with difficulties and political risks, insisting that the government would not be starting from a completely blank slate. However, the aim is clear: a thorough re-examination of public expenditure to align budgets with contemporary priorities.
With an increasing number of youthful individuals like Ethan and Corentin stepping up to serve their country amid rising military initiatives, France seems poised for a renewed focus on defense and strategic self-sufficiency. As the country navigates these changes on multiple fronts—the military, production, and fiscal planning—it faces both challenges and opportunities in solidifying its position on the world stage.
