European Rearmament Passes Through Military Service: Increasing Numbers of States Reintroduce Voluntary Conscription

Translated by Benedetta Calice

After decades of military detente, the trend has reversed. European states have put rearmament back at the center of their political agendas. Following the Cold War, the easing of global tensions led many nations to cut military spending and, in particular, to suspend various military service systems. The choice was made to create professional armies, both for economic reasons—mandatory conscription involved huge logistical and administrative costs considered disproportionate to its actual utility—and for operational reasons; conscripts, subject to a limited period of service, could not reach a level of training suitable for modern, technologically complex missions in international scenarios, which require high preparation.

According to the latest data provided by EUROMIL, the organization uniting military personnel associations in Europe, between 2010 and 2020, military personnel decreased by an average of 16%. Belgium and Germany recorded the most consistent drops, at 26.5% and 25% respectively. According to EUROMIL, low salaries, work-life imbalance, and a negative work environment are among the main factors affecting retention rates in each country's armed forces.

In light of recent geopolitical circumstances, the issue of national military service has returned to the center of European political discussion. The war in Ukraine has significantly changed the perception of continental defense. Several European intelligence agencies believe that Russia could attempt to attack a NATO member state by 2030, in order to test the Alliance's mutual defense commitment. Furthermore, Moscow has intensified its "hybrid wars" activity toward various European countries, carrying out cyberattacks, disinformation operations, acts of sabotage, and other forms of hostile activities below the threshold of war that could trigger a military response.

At the same time, the United States is withdrawing from its commitments to European security. An important aspect of the reduction of U.S. commitments to Europe is the withdrawal of American troops stationed on the continent. In addition to the planned withdrawal of 5,000 soldiers from Germany, the U.S. has already reduced troop numbers in Poland, Romania, and the Baltic States, communicating that further reductions are planned.

To succeed in deterring Russia in the short-to-medium term with less support from the United States, European allies must rapidly bridge key capability gaps.

To counter this threat, the European Commission has drafted a reform plan called "ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030", an ambitious defense package providing financial instruments to EU member states to stimulate the growth of military investments.

But while governments invest billions in rebuilding European military capability, they have realized that modernizing arsenals is only part of the challenge. The other consists of finding the personnel needed to manage them.

Germany intends to increase its armed forces from approximately 180,000 to 260,000 soldiers, while doubling the number of reservists. France plans to bring the number of reservists from about 47,000 to 100,000 by the end of the decade. Italy has announced its intention to increase its military personnel, while the Netherlands and Poland are also evaluating how to boost their armed forces.

At least 10 member states have mandatory military service in place. Among these countries, Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, and Lithuania make it mandatory only for men, while Denmark and Sweden make it mandatory for both men and women. Mandatory military service can last up to 15 months, while Croatia provides for a shorter service period of two months.

Since the number of young people willing to undertake a military career continues to decline, many member states without mandatory conscription have decided to introduce voluntary military service in the hope of attracting more people.

To help bridge the gap, Germany introduced a six-month voluntary military service in 2026. The system provides that all 18-year-olds in Germany will be sent a questionnaire asking if they are interested and willing to enlist in the armed forces. Filling out the questionnaire is mandatory for men and optional for women. They are required to undergo medical examinations and state whether they are interested in enlisting in the armed forces. However, they retain the constitutional right to refuse military service as conscientious objectors. Although about 12,100 volunteers and conscripts are currently serving on short-term contracts, doubts remain as to whether voluntary service can guarantee the number of personnel Berlin relies on.

In France, a new voluntary military service program has been launched, replacing the universal national service. It is a voluntary (non-compulsory) program open to young men and women aged 18 to 25 holding French citizenship. The program has a total duration of 10 months. It includes a first month of basic military training, followed by nine months of operational service alongside the armed forces. Service takes place exclusively on French territory (foreign missions are therefore excluded). The initiative will initially involve a first group of about 3,000 young people, with the goal of gradually recruiting up to 50,000 volunteers per year by 2035. At the end of the 10 months, participants become part of the operational reserve for a period of 5 years. Volunteers receive a net monthly allowance of about 800 euros, in addition to housing, meals, and transport, all covered by the State.

Belgium has also launched its voluntary military service in recent weeks. Last November, the government sent letters to about 170,000 17-year-olds urging them to enlist for a year of voluntary military service in the Belgian armed forces. The Ministry of Defense selected a total of 3,248 applications for the voluntary service year. Essentially, the operation constitutes a recruitment tool, as the Belgian armed forces urgently need more personnel, both reservists and career soldiers. Belgium plans to increase its military personnel from the current 24,000 to 34,500 by 2035, with 12,800 reservists and 8,500 civilians. By that date, the number of annual recruits for the voluntary military service year will reach 1,000. The government is also introducing measures aimed at widening the pool of eligible candidates. Starting September 1st, Belgium will ease medical requirements for recruits and reservists; this measure could allow an additional 10–20% of candidates currently rejected for medical reasons to begin military training. Finally, Belgium has raised the maximum age for reservists from 49 to 67 years, in an attempt to attract a larger number of candidates with civilian experience, particularly for administrative and logistical roles.

In Spain, a "call" has been opened aimed at young people wishing to join the armed forces. It is open to all citizens who meet established requirements, such as: being Spanish citizens, aged between 18 and 28, having no criminal record, being in good physical condition, and being willing to relocate to any part of the country. Official government channels specify that mandatory military service is not being reintroduced, but the defense structure is being strengthened without resorting to a conscript call-up and by relying on voluntary reservists.

A different model is the one adopted by Nordic countries, particularly Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, which have reintroduced mandatory military service, but on a selective basis for both men and women. Today, in Sweden, a portion of 18-year-olds is called to perform military training based on the needs of the armed forces, rather than through a universal mandatory draft system. Consequently, every year only a portion of young people, both men and women, are actually enlisted. Selected candidates are considered the most suitable for service based on a multi-stage selection process, which includes questionnaires and tests.

As Europe accelerates its rearmament process, it is working both to compensate for the reduction of U.S. capabilities and to prepare for a potential conflict with Russia.

European countries are increasing defense budgets, boosting military production, and reconsidering conscription models. However, serious gaps remain in terms of military personnel, strategic resources, and operational readiness.

For Emmanuel Jacobs, president of EUROMIL, voluntary military service will only succeed if it offers "true added value." This means adequate training, meaningful roles, fair pay, and a clear path toward entry into professional armed forces or the reserve.

But according to analysts, Europe's effort to recruit more soldiers also faces a broader cultural challenge.

In the United States, serving in the armed forces is often a family tradition and a source of pride. In much of Europe, by contrast, the civic and social value attributed to military service has largely vanished since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, younger generations see little incentive to put their careers and personal lives on hold to serve their country.

The solution to the EU's recruitment crisis must start with transforming the armed forces into attractive and modern employers, capable of offering competitive salaries, predictable working conditions, modern leadership, adequate housing and equipment, and full social rights. Without all this, Europe will continue to lose qualified personnel, regardless of the chosen military service model.

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