Europe is under arms again - From France to Denmark, military recruitment returns
Military conscription, in all its forms, has returned to the center of the European debate. The old continent currently displays a diverse mosaic: some countries maintain, or have reintroduced, compulsory conscription, others are investing in voluntary programs that can be rapidly expanded in the event of a crisis. All with the common goal of forming trained reserves ready to respond to geopolitical tensions, above all the Russian threat after the invasion of Ukraine.
In Northern Europe, compulsory or selective-compulsory models are well-established and often equitable.
Denmark
In Denmark, the length of military service was increased from four to eleven months last year and has become mandatory for women as of July 1. Young men are randomly selected to serve or not, based on the needs of the military.
finland
Finland requires men to serve for six to twelve months, with reserve service until the age of 50-60, while women can register voluntarily.
Norway
Since 2013, Norway has called up both sexes, but selects only 15-18% of each age group based on motivation and physical fitness. Similar systems, lasting between 6 and 12 months, remain in force in Estonia, Greece, Switzerland, Austria and Cyprus. Over the past decade, several countries have repealed the suspension of conscription imposed in the early 2000s. Lithuania reinstated it in 2015, Sweden in 2017 (selective and gender-neutral), Latvia in 2023 (compulsory for men, voluntary for women), and Croatia approved the return of conscription in January 2025, effective 1 January 2026 (two months of service for men).
Other countries have opted for structured volunteering, while maintaining the possibility of making it mandatory in case of emergency.
Belgium
Starting in 2026, Belgium will send a letter to all 18-year-olds inviting them to a year of voluntary service.
Netherlands
The Netherlands relaunched a flexible-duration voluntary military program in 2023.
Germany
After suspending it in 2011, Germany aims to have 20,000 volunteers by 2026, with reserves ready to expand rapidly.
Poland
Poland offers one month of basic voluntary training, followed by specialized training, while Romania will activate a four-month voluntary service for men and women starting in 2026, with a financial bonus of 8,300 euros.
France
In France, Universal National Service, which has so far had little participation, will be transformed by Macron into a longer and more militarized program, while remaining voluntary.
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