Podcast Summary: “La mili vuelve a Francia: ¿puede volver a España?”

Podcast: Hoy por Hoy (SER Podcast)
Host: Àngels Barceló
Air Date: November 28, 2025

Main Theme

The episode explores the resurgence of military conscription—popularly known as 'la mili'—in several European countries, focusing especially on France's new voluntary military service. The discussion delves into the reasons behind this revival, its potential impact, and whether such a policy might be debated or reinstated in Spain. The conversation features insights from international correspondents and regular contributors, reflecting on shifting geopolitical threats, the changing European security landscape, and the societal perception of military service.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Return of 'La mili' in France

• France is reintroducing a voluntary, paid military service starting next summer, as announced by President Emmanuel Macron.

  • Aimed at training 10,000 young people per year for 10 months, with a salary of at least €800 per month.
  • Explicitly intended to strengthen the nation's military reserves amidst increasing external threats, notably from Russia (03:10).
  • Macron insists service will be limited to national territory, directly addressing public concerns sparked by military officials' comments about potential casualties abroad (03:10).

• Context:

  • The shift comes three decades after France abolished mandatory conscription.
  • 80% of French citizens reportedly support the initiative (02:31).

Regional Comparison: Germany, Belgium, Italy, and the Baltics

• Germany:

  • A new law will introduce a voluntary, incentivized system; mandatory only under specific circumstances (03:50–05:41).
  • All 18+ men must respond to a motivation and aptitude survey; voluntary for women, but obligatory for trans men (04:03).
  • Six-month service offers €1,600/month and additional perks for longer commitments.
  • Potential for random conscription if voluntary targets are unmet.

• Belgium:

  • Defence Ministry invites 150,000 17-year-olds to voluntarily serve for a year at €2,000/month (05:42).

• Italy:

  • Plans for a 10,000-person volunteer reserve (05:42).

• Baltic States & Finland/Estonia:

  • Maintained or reinstated compulsory service due to geographic proximity and ongoing security threats from Russia.

Could Conscription Return to Spain?

• Contributors reflect on Spain's 2001 abolition of mandatory service (06:12).

  • Felipe González had suggested the decision lacked sufficient political reflection, a view revisited in light of changed geopolitical realities (06:12).
  • Lack of debate on reintroducing conscription in Spain; Spanish public discourse is described as detached from strategic security concerns compared to France or the Baltics (07:45).

• Military Perceptions & Social Impacts:

  • Concerns exist that only a well-trained, professional army—not conscripts—can handle contemporary military threats effectively (08:56–09:59).
  • Memories of past hardship among those who served under compulsory conscription (07:53).
  • Some, like one panelist, opted for conscientious objection, noting the drastic shift in threat perception post-Ukraine invasion—especially visible in Finland and Poland (08:56).
  • Recognition that increasing defense budgets requires not just more funding but also an increase in personnel.

• European Military Integration:

  • Critique that France focuses on national military buildup, resisting integration of European defense industries, a step viewed as crucial for collective security (09:59).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

France—The Shift to Voluntary Service

• Lucía Riera (Corresponsal en París):

  “No podemos volver a la época del servicio militar obligatorio, pero necesitamos movilización, decía Macron, ante un peligro creciente de guerra extendida en Europa para el que hay que prepararse.” (02:31)

• President Emmanuel Macron (audio clip via Lucía Riera):

  “Nuestros jóvenes prestarán servicio únicamente en el territorio nacional.” (03:06)

German Model and Its Rationale

• Carmen Viñas (Corresponsal en Berlín):

  “Todos los hombres y mujeres mayores de 18 años recibirán un cuestionario a partir de enero para conocer su motivación y aptitud para el servicio. Para los hombres, responderlo es obligatorio. Para las mujeres, es voluntario…” (04:03)

Spanish Perspective—A Contrast

• Carlos

  “El contexto ha cambiado radicalmente… El caso de Francia es muy llamativo porque… el jefe de Estado Mayor del Ejército… planteaba que en el Pentágono hay un reloj donde marca que el año 27 es muy probable que China invada a Taiwán…” (06:12–06:49)
  “La agenda pública está absolutamente ausente de los grandes asuntos que preocupan hoy a las cancillerías internacionales.” (07:45)

• Panelist B

  “Creo que rinde cuenta de que la Unión Europea no cree que hay vuelta atrás con el tema de Rusia… La sensación de amenaza y de no retorno es real y que la cuestión de Ucrania si se cierra en falso… la Unión Europea percibe que Rusia se puede envalentonar y esto es la realidad.” (07:53–08:55)

• Panelist H (Conscientious Objector)

  “Era difícil pensar que la Unión Europea estuviera pidiendo a los países que incrementaran el PIB en defensa sin incrementar sus efectivos militares…” (08:56)
  “Solamente un ejército profesional bien preparado puede ser capaz de afrontar riesgos como los que plantea Rusia. Por lo tanto, yo espero que la mili obligatoria no vuelva…” (08:56)

• Carlos

  “…Lo que no está haciendo Francia es provocar lo más importante, más que aumentar en número de militares, la integración de la industria de defensa europea. Francia es el primer país que no quiere compatibilizar sus ejércitos con los de otros países europeos.” (09:59)

Important Timestamps & Segments

• 03:10 – Introduction of French voluntary conscription, objectives, and public backing.
• 03:50–05:41 – Report on Germany’s new military service plan and its structure.
• 05:42 – Updates from Belgium, Italy, and the Baltic states.
• 06:12–06:49 – Spanish political reflection on ending and possibly reviving conscription.
• 07:45–08:55 – Broader EU strategic concerns, hybrid threats, and public perceptions.
• 08:56–09:59 – Spanish societal perspective & critique of renewed conscription; argument for professionalism in armed forces.
• 09:59 – Debate about European defense integration versus national buildup.

Conclusion

The episode frames the revival of military conscription in Europe as a response to new geopolitical threats, raising urgent questions about national versus European security strategies. The Spanish panelists reveal a country somewhat insulated from these debates, though the specter of returning “la mili” is weighed in light of evolving international dynamics. The discussion emphasizes a shift in public and political sentiment in France and Germany and the complexity of reproducing such measures in the Spanish context, ultimately questioning whether renewed conscription or greater professionalism and integration is the way forward for European defense.