Which European countries require compulsory or optional military service

Several of Europe's largest NATO members are enhancing their armed forces by promoting voluntary national service programs. While conscripted armies were common during the Cold War, they decreased significantly after the Soviet Union's collapse. The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, however, has reignited concerns about potential future attacks on NATO nations.

Countries with Conscription

Nine NATO countries in Europe maintain compulsory military service: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and Turkey. In Turkey, the alliance's second-largest army after the US, men aged 20 to 41 must serve for six to twelve months. Norway drafts both men and women for roughly 12 months. Croatia will reinstate conscription next year, requiring men aged 19 to 29 to complete two months of basic military training.

Professional Armies Without Conscription

Several NATO members rely on professional forces instead of conscription. The UK, alongside France, is unique in Europe for maintaining nuclear weapons and recruits minors at age 16 with parental consent. Other countries with professional militaries include Albania, Czechia, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. Iceland has no standing army, although its Coast Guard performs defense duties.

Voluntary Service Initiatives

Belgium recently invited 17-year-olds to join a voluntary military program paying around 2,000 monthly. The initiative, starting next year, aims to expand reservist numbers from 6,000 to 20,000. The Netherlands launched a similar scheme in 2023, while Poland introduced a one-month voluntary training in 2024 and plans large-scale military training for all adult men. Bulgaria and Romania also recently adopted voluntary programs lasting six and four months, respectively.

Germany's New Approach

Germany ended compulsory military service in 2011 but recently passed a law for voluntary enlistment. All 18-year-old men must complete a questionnaire about their willingness to serve and undergo a medical assessment by 2027. This system will allow the military to identify potential recruits quickly in case of conflict. Chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to expand active personnel from 183,000 to 260,000 and add 200,000 reservists by 2035. Public opinion is divided, with younger Germans largely opposing mandatory service.

France's National Service Plan

France, which ended conscription 25 years ago, plans to introduce a new 10-month voluntary program for young adults. Participants will earn at least 800 per month, with initial enrollment capped at 3,000 next year and gradually increasing to 50,000 by 2035. President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that national preparation is essential for security, with polls showing strong public support for the initiative.

Other European Approaches

Outside NATO, Austria requires men aged 18 to 35 to serve for six months or complete alternative service, with women serving voluntarily. Cyprus mandates military service for male citizens over 18, while women may enlist voluntarily. Ireland and Malta maintain professional forces. Switzerland requires men aged 18 to 30 to serve in the military, civil defense, or alternative service; recent voters rejected extending mandatory service to women.

Author: Logan Reeves