Germany has partially restored the conscription system, maintaining the principle of voluntary military service in principle, but can implement compulsory conscription in emergencies. This is also to adapt to the geopolitical tensions following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. In addition to Germany, many European countries have recently increased their conscription efforts and enhanced their military capabilities.
Image source: Thomas Trutschel/photothek/picture alliance
Germany had suspended compulsory conscription in 2011. However, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the significant challenges to European security, Germany has now adjusted its conscription system: from July 2027, all 18-year-old males must undergo a conscription medical examination, although military service remains based on the principle of voluntariness. The medical examination and military service for women of the appropriate age are also voluntary. At the same time, the monthly allowance for volunteers has significantly increased: 2,000 euros after tax per month.
According to the Minister of Defense, Pistorius, if the security situation suddenly becomes tense and the number of volunteers is insufficient, the German federal government under the new conscription system can issue a compulsory conscription order after approval by the Bundestag.
Retired soldiers will be incorporated into the regular reserve forces. The Ministry of Defense hopes that as the number of voluntary recruits increases, the number of reserve forces will also rise, thus filling the overall personnel gap in Germany.
France: Strengthening the Reserve Forces
In 1996, then-French President Chirac abolished the traditional conscription system. In 2019, French President Macron introduced "Universal National Service," where teenagers aged 15 to 17 participate in one-month activities, which include both military and social service activities.
Society in France has frequently discussed whether "Universal National Service" should be mandatory. President Macron once stated in 2018 that "Universal National Service" should be mandatory. However, due to lack of funding and political will, it remains voluntary to this day. France's current strategy is to expand the number of reserve forces from 40,000 to 80,000 in order to support the standing army more effectively when the situation is urgent.
United Kingdom: Voluntary Principle Is No Longer Sustainable
The UK abolished compulsory conscription in 1960, and for the past half-century, the British military has relied on voluntary enlistments and professional soldiers. However, the British military currently faces long-term recruitment difficulties. Analysts warn that reintroducing compulsory conscription is inefficient and impractical; instead, expanding the reserves is a more suitable approach.
Poland: High School Students Must Undergo Military Training
Poland abolished its compulsory conscription in 2008. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this country bordering Ukraine has expanded its military capabilities more than any other EU country. According to the plan, the size of Poland's standing army should reach 300,000 by 2035, plus the newly established "Home Guard," which has about 50,000 members. Additionally, Poland is also increasing investment in the reserves: retired soldiers will receive systematic training to acquire the latest knowledge.
Poland also conducts military education in high schools. Students over the age of 14 take part in "military preparation classes" at over 200 locations, where they learn about field marching, firearms shooting, and military discipline. The Polish government aims to inspire interest in the military among young people and to conduct patriotic education at the same time.
Sweden's compulsory conscription was canceled in 2010 but restored in 2017. Image source: NDR
Sweden: Equality Between Men and Women, All Must Serve
Northern European country Sweden used to maintain neutrality, but after the full-scale outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, it chose to join NATO. The country's compulsory conscription system was canceled in 2010, but was partially restored in 2017. According to the current regulations, all citizens who turn 18 must register for conscription on a website and fill in relevant personal information. Then, about 5% to 10% of them will be required to undergo a conscription medical examination, and those who pass will be compulsorily conscripted in principle. Those not compulsorily conscripted can still voluntarily join the military.
It is worth noting that Sweden's conscription registration emphasizes gender equality: regardless of gender, everyone must register upon turning 18 years old.
In 2023, Sweden also restored the civil service system. People who have registered for conscription but have not joined the military can serve in departments such as emergency services, fire protection, and disaster prevention.
Finland: Two-thirds of the Population Has Served in the Military
Finland has never abolished its compulsory conscription system: all men who turn 18 must serve in the military, while women can volunteer. Depending on the branch of service, the basic term of service ranges from 6 to 12 months. About two-thirds of the population of each age group have served in the military, a proportion that leads Europe. Therefore, the conscription system has become an important part of Finnish society.
After completing basic military service, Finnish men are generally enrolled in the reserve forces and must undergo regular retraining. Finland, with a population of 5.5 million, can therefore quickly mobilize 250,000 soldiers in case of an emergency. Like its neighbor Sweden, Finland, which has long maintained neutrality, also joined NATO after the full-scale outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Norway: Gender Equality, Serving in the Military Is Honorable
Since 2016, Norway has implemented the principle of gender equality in conscription registration, but relatively few people of each age group are actually conscripted. Therefore, serving in the military is considered quite prestigious in Norway. Like other European countries, the Norwegian reserve forces play an increasingly important role in national defense.
Due to the large number of voluntary recruits, Denmark's compulsory conscription is currently just a legal provision that does not need to be enforced. Image source: Henning Bagger/Ritzau Scanpix/picture alliance
Denmark: Too Many Volunteers for Military Service
All males in the Nordic country of Denmark must register for conscription at the age of 18, and starting in 2026, females will also have this obligation. After registration, it is theoretically decided by lottery who must serve in the military. The Danish army needs about 4,000 new recruits each year, but the number of voluntary applicants often exceeds 8,000. Therefore, Denmark's compulsory conscription is currently just a legal provision that does not need to be enforced. Due to the large number of voluntary recruits, very few people are actually conscripted.
Austria: Increasing Investment, Maintaining Conscription
In Austria, the compulsory conscription system has never been abolished. All males between the ages of 18 and 35 who meet the physical requirements must serve six months in the military or nine months in civil service. Women can volunteer for military service. Austria has repeatedly discussed whether to abolish the compulsory conscription system, but these discussions have gradually disappeared in recent years due to the tension in the geopolitical situation.
Like many European countries, Austria is also increasing its investment in the reserve forces. Unlike many European neighbors, Austria has not joined NATO and continues to maintain its status as a neutral country.
Worried Baltic States
Latvia, which borders Russia and Belarus directly, reintroduced the compulsory conscription system in 2023. Males aged 18 to 27 must serve for 11 months, while women can volunteer for military service. According to the plan, Latvia will recruit about 7,500 new soldiers each year from 2028. The number of professional soldiers is similar to this.
Those who do not want to serve in the military can perform civil service in state institutions. Latvia also places great emphasis on the combination of the reserve forces and the standing army.
Lithuania, which also borders Russia and Belarus, reintroduced compulsory conscription in 2015, recruiting about 3,500 new soldiers each year. Retired soldiers are also enrolled in the reserve forces.
Source: DW
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