The war in Ukraine is proceeding without high hopes that a ceasefire will be reached soon, given the setback of a summit that was scheduled to be hosted by the US president. donald trumpand his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putinin Hungary. Trump himself and the Hungarian president viktor orbanrevived the option to eventually organize during a visit to the White House last week, but did not specify the timing or terms.
Meanwhile, the echoes of the conflict are reverberating in other parts of continental Europe, with Russia escalating tensions and hostilities with China. Military exercises and hybrid warfare techniquesViolations of airspace, drone intrusions into European airports, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, etc. The identity of the latter two authors has not been proven, but Brussels has little doubt that the Kremlin is behind them.
In this connection, especially since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, many European countries have conscriptionin addition to undertaking the construction of underground bunkers and instructing the population on how to behave in times of war.
The last country to move in this regard was Belgium, which began sending money last Friday. 149,000 letters addressed to every 17-year-old This is to inform them of the possibility of volunteering for one year of military service in 2026 for a net monthly fee of 2,000 euros. Other European countries, such as Germany, have also created volunteer armies. This service has long been mandatory for countries most threatened by Russia due to their proximity to the country, or those located in historically unstable regions.
In the case of Spain, Compulsory military service was abolished in 2001However, in the event of a national emergency, the government can mobilize young people between the ages of 19 and 25 as compulsory reservists under the Military Act, and those between the ages of 18 and 58 as voluntary reservists. In both cases, certain health requirements must be met.
Overall, the situation in Ukraine has prompted virtually all countries to launch defense efforts, but some have already taken a step forward. in the education of the people.
Below are the recent months and years. strengthened activities to promote Civilian participation in military planning.
Denmark
Military service was compulsory before the invasion of Ukraine, but after the invasion Extended from 4 months to 12 months. Furthermore, the Danish government has decided that from 2026 women will also be obliged to volunteer in case there is a shortage of volunteers.
latvia
Compulsory military service was abolished in Latvia in 2007. But the war in Ukraine is ringing alarm bells. Last year 2023, the Latvian Parliament approved a plan to restore the service. Military service will be compulsory for men aged 18 to 27 (voluntary for women) from 2024.: The period of service is 12 months, serving in the Ground Forces or Home Affairs, Health, and Welfare Organizations.
Poland
nevertheless Military service is nominally compulsory in Poland at the age of 19. Applications in the job format are temporarily suspended. Young people who reach the indicated age must undergo a “military qualification, which does not imply direct conscription, but is a mandatory assessment of physical and mental health, completed by the assignment of each young person to a unit that will be integrated in the event of war.”
Meanwhile, Polish Defense Minister Wladysław Kosiniak Kamisz last week announced the implementation of the next plan. Military training for all Poleseffective November 22nd, some 400,000 civilians During 2026.
Germany
The parties forming Germany’s coalition government reached a tentative agreement to introduce it into legislation in October. modernization of Regarding military service, the possibility of compulsory conscription in the event of a shortage of volunteers is currently being considered, with a lottery element similar to the model already used in Denmark.
Belgium
government Belgium We started shipping last Friday 149,000 letters addressed to every 17-year-old Inform them of the possibility of performing one year of volunteer military service in 2026 for a net amount of 2,000 euros per month. The Belgian government’s plan, announced in February this year, responds to the “need for new personnel in the Ministry of Defence” that the government highlighted. “A lot of new equipment is arriving” that requires manpower..
Romania
In October, the government Romania approved to restore military servicebecomes volunteer for all citizens From 18 to 35 years oldthe duration is 4 months The total salary is more than 8,300 euros. As of January 1, 2007, military service is no longer compulsory in Romania.
Croatia
Croatia recovers 2 months of compulsory service After being temporarily suspended in 2008, it will become available to all citizens in January 2025.
Other countries where “armies” already existed
Austria
Austria is one of the countries in Europe where military service is still compulsory. Men between the ages of 18 and 50, for at least 6 months. If an alternative community service activity is selected, the period will be nine months. Women just do it voluntarily.
Norway
Mandatory since 1907. Healthy citizens aged 19 and over and up to 44 years of age Military service for a minimum of 12 monthsAccording to the Norwegian constitution, women were included in the military conscription in 2009.
Finland
It shares more than 1,000 kilometers of border with Russia. Since 1951, All Finnish men aged 18 are required to serve between 5.5 and 12 months in an army branch. Or at the Border Patrol. Meanwhile, since 1995, women between the ages of 18 and 29 have been able to serve in the voluntary military (in 2022, women made up about 19% of full-time military personnel).
cyprus
In a period of 14 months, In this country, military service is compulsory for men between the ages of 18 and 50.However, you can already volunteer from the age of 17.
estonia
he Since 1991, military service has been compulsory for men between the ages of 18 and 27. Duration ranges from 8 to 11 months, depending on factors such as higher education. Women can volunteer in the military and, as of 2018, can serve in any branch of the military (in 2020, women made up about 10% of full-time career military personnel).
Greece
This military service It affects a 19-year-old man with no serious health problems.However, you can request a postponement of your studies at the university and return once you have finished. The period is approximately one year, and the enrollment deadline is 35 years old. In 2020, women who could serve as volunteers made up about 16% of full-time military personnel.
lithuania
Lithuania made military service vocational training in 2008, and then reinstated compulsory military service in 2015. Men aged 19 to 26 are required to stay for 9 months realize this service. Recruitment will be done through an automatic lottery system. In 2020, women accounted for approximately 12% of full-time military personnel in Lithuania.
Sweden
After abolishing compulsory military service in 2010, Sweden reintroduced compulsory military service in 2017 to alleviate the shortage of soldiers, until the 2,000-person capacity was filled. The total duration was 11 months, and both men and women participated. from As of 2023, women will make up more than 20% of the military.
Switzerland
All Swiss men must meet at least the following conditions: 245 days in the military. The compulsory military service age for men is 18 to 30 years old. Recruits undergo a total of 18 weeks of mandatory training, followed by six intermittent 19-day training camps over the next 10 years.
About The Author
