European NATO member states are modifying their military recruitment policies. Following a reduction in conscript armies after the Cold War, the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to renewed discussions and implementation of military service schemes. This overview examines the current status of conscription and voluntary service initiatives across European NATO members.
Countries with Mandatory Conscription
Nine European NATO states currently maintain mandatory military service:
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- Greece
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Norway
- Sweden
- Turkey
In Turkey, men aged 20 to 41 are required to serve for six to twelve months. Norway subjects both men and women to conscription, typically for 12 months. Croatia plans to reintroduce mandatory military training in the upcoming year, requiring men aged 19 to 29 to complete two months of basic military instruction.
Other NATO Members: Countries such as the United Kingdom, Albania, Czechia, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain operate with professional, non-conscripted militaries. The UK permits recruitment of 16-year-olds with parental consent. Iceland maintains no regular military forces, with defense tasks handled by its Coast Guard.
Voluntary Service Initiatives
Several European NATO nations are implementing or expanding voluntary military service programs:
- Belgium: Launched a voluntary military service scheme inviting 17-year-olds to join, beginning next year. The program aims to expand the reservist pool from approximately 6,000 to 20,000, offering volunteers about €2,000 per month.
- Netherlands: Introduced voluntary military service in 2023 to supplement its professional armed forces.
- Poland: Initiated one-month voluntary basic military training in 2024. The government announced intentions to introduce large-scale military training for all adult men, with a goal of achieving a total military force of 500,000 personnel, including reservists.
- Bulgaria: Introduced voluntary military service for citizens up to 40 years old for a six-month period in 2020.
- Romania: Plans to implement a four-month voluntary military service program starting next year.
Germany's Military Service Review
Germany ended compulsory military service in 2011. Its parliament has now approved the re-establishment of military service on a voluntary basis. Future consideration of compulsory service is possible if security conditions deteriorate or volunteer numbers are insufficient.
Under the new legislation, all 18-year-old men will be required to complete a questionnaire regarding their willingness and capability to join the armed forces. Medical examinations to assess suitability will commence from July 2027, establishing a pool of potential recruits for potential future mobilization. The objective is to increase the armed forces from 183,000 active personnel to 260,000 by 2035, complemented by 200,000 reservists. Public opinion surveys indicate divided views on compulsory service, with a majority of young adults (18-29) opposing it.
France's "National Service" Plan
France abolished military conscription 25 years ago, operating with approximately 200,000 military personnel and 47,000 reservists. A new "national service" scheme is being introduced gradually from next summer, inviting young men and women, primarily aged 18-19, to undertake 10 months of paid military training. Participants will receive at least €800 per month. The program aims to enroll 3,000 individuals initially next year, with a target of 50,000 by 2035. Public surveys suggest strong support for voluntary military service among the general population.