3 d. ago Another country reintroduces voluntary military service with new plan to counter Russia

The move comes as Germany commits billions of euros to modernising its military equipment

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5 d. ago South Lanarkshire charity receives The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

It is the highest recognition a local voluntary organisation can be given in the UK, equivalent to an MBE.

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1 week ago France announces voluntary national service with 10,000 target as Russia threat grows

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a voluntary national service programme starting next summer, as Europe seeks to strengthen its military in the face of the growing Russian threat

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1 week ago France to introduce voluntary military service amid threat from Russia

Macron says plan to introduce 10 months’ service among 18- and 19-year-olds will help France respond to ‘accelerating threats’Europe live – latest updatesFrance is to introduce voluntary military service of 10 months aimed mainly at young people aged 18 and 19, as concern grows in Europe about the threat from Russia.In a speech to troops in Varces-Allières-et-Risset in the French Alps, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, said the service would begin by mid-2026 and would help France respond to “accelerating threats” on the global stage. Continue reading...

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1 week ago As France prepares military expansion, how is Europe beefing up its armies?

European nations are rushing to bolster their defences amid Russia threat and uncertainty of US supportFrance will this week become the latest EU country to set out plans to expand its army, with Emmanuel Macron expected to announce on Thursday that military service will be restored – albeit on a voluntary basis – nearly 30 years after the end of conscription.In the face of Russia’s military threat and uncertainty over the US’s commitment to defending its transatlantic allies, Europe is rushing to bolster its defence industry and its deployment capability after radically cutting them back since the cold war. Continue reading...

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3 w. ago Grow Uddingston honoured with prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service

It is the highest honour given to volunteer groups across the UK, often described as the MBE for voluntary organisations.

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