EU Nations Consider Reviving Military Conscription Amid Geopolitical Shifts

Brussels: Since the end of the Cold War, many European countries moved away from mandatory military service, but recent global tensions have revived discussions on conscription. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and Donald Trump’s return to the White House have caused European nations to reassess their military recruitment strategies.

According to Ansa News Agency, NATO member countries recently agreed to increase their defence spending to 5 percent of GDP, but without sufficient personnel, this financial commitment may not be enough to ensure military readiness. This has sparked debates across Europe about reinstating military conscription.

A poll by the European Council on Foreign Relations found strong support for mandatory military service in countries like France, Germany, and Poland, though enthusiasm wanes among younger demographics. Currently, nine EU countries maintain some form of conscription: Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden. Croatia plans to revive its conscription policy by 2026 with basic military training for conscripts.

Germany and Portugal are among countries debating the return of conscription. In Germany, the Bundeswehr seeks to bolster its ranks amid security threats from Russia, prompting discussions on compulsory service. Portugal, on the other hand, weighs the benefits of civic engagement and crisis preparedness against logistical and freedom-related concerns.

Other nations, like Bulgaria and Romania, explore limited or voluntary service models. Bulgaria faces staffing shortages, prompting considerations for limited compulsory training. Romania, although generally opposed to mandatory service, allows for its reactivation in wartime circumstances.

Meanwhile, Poland and France have reopened conscription debates, with Poland targeting 100,000 participants annually and France examining a major overhaul of its national service model. Belgium plans a voluntary military service initiative starting in 2026, instead of reinstating mandatory service.

Conversely, countries like Spain, Slovenia, Slovakia, Albania, and Ireland have ruled out conscription. These nations focus on voluntary alternatives or have never had compulsory service.

The gender debate adds another layer, with discussions on whether conscription should apply to both men and women. Currently, only Sweden and Denmark extend conscription to both genders, with Denmark recently implementing this measure.

As Europe navigates its most significant security challenges in decades, governments are re-evaluating the role of citizens in defence, potentially reshaping the military-civilian relationship across the EU in the coming years.