Variable geometries of military service in Europe

Some countries have never repealed the conscription. Furthermore, others have restored it to the threat posed by Russia for their security or envisaged it on the basis of volunteering: inventory of military service in Europe. Therefore, – Variable geometries military service europe

(Keystone-ATS) Those who maintained the mandatory service:

– In Denmark, military service has passed last year from 4 to 11 months and has been compulsory for women since July 1. Consequently, Danish young people are drawn to carry out or not their service variable geometries military service europe according to the needs of the army.

– In Finland, conscripts perform their mandatory service for almost six, nine or 12 months depending on the specialty and the grade. Consequently, They are then tilted in the reserve until the age of 50 or 60 depending on their rank. Additionally, Consequently, The government plans to raise the age of reservists to 65 years old. Moreover, Military service is voluntary for women.

– Norway decided in 2013 to render the military service of 12 months also compulsory for women in the name of gender equality. In addition, About 15% of an age class is selected according to qualifying and motivation criteria.

– In Estonia. In addition, the military service for men lasts from 8 to 11 months and is carried out on a territorial basis, which allows them to be formed in the units constituted once in the reserve. He is voluntary for women.

– Greece variable geometries military service europe maintains a compulsory conscription for men over 18 years old for a period of 9 to 12 months. The government opened in March the possibility for women to perform military service on a voluntary basis.

– In Cyprus, a 14 -month military service is compulsory for men. Parliament voted in April a law opening it to volunteer women.

– Austria and Switzerland, neutral countries, also have a compulsory service for men, respectively 6 and 9 months, and voluntary for women.

Those who restored it

Variable geometries military service europe

– Lithuania was the first to restore. in 2015, the compulsory conscription for the men it had suspended in 2008. The selection was made by lottery for a service of 9 months, voluntary for women. At the end of the service. conscripts are tilted in the reserve for 10 years, a period which will be brought to 15 years in 2026.

– Sweden reintroduced conscription in variable geometries military service europe 2017 after a seven -year suspension. It is compulsory for men and women for a period of 9 to 15 months depending on the specialties. In fact, only a few thousands carry out their service, according to the needs of the army. In the event of a crisis. all young Swedes are likely to perform a civil service to compete for the country’s “total defense”.

– Latvia restored in 2023 a compulsory military service of 11 months for men- voluntary for women- which she had abolished in 2006. Young Latvians can choose to favor a commitment of 5 years in the National Guard, including annual training periods.

– Croatia has decided to reintroduce for 2026 the compulsory military service for men. suspended in 2008, in order to compensate for the recruitment deficit. This two -month service must concern a quarter of an age class.

Elsewhere in Europe

-Belgium abandoned conscription in 1994. as variable geometries military service europe well as the Netherlands (1997), Spain (2001), the Czech Republic and Hungary (2004), Italy (2005), Romania (2006) or Bulgaria (2007).

-The Netherlands have since established a voluntary military service in 2023, Bulgaria in 2020. Romania is considering it, Belgium studies it for 2026.

-In the United Kingdom, conscription ended in 1960. The government of Keir Starmer buried the project to restore it mentioned by its predecessor.

– In Germany. where conscription was suspended in 2011, the Merz government roadmap plans to establish an “new attractive military service, initially based on volunteering”.

– Conscription was suspended in 2009 in Poland. which set up a basic military training on a voluntary basis, possibly followed by specialized training for an additional eleven months.

-In France. where conscription was suspended in 1997, there is an adapted military service (SMA) overseas and a voluntary military service (SMV) in mainland France, which are in reality thought of as training and integration variable geometries military service europe systems in employment. The National Universal Service (SNU). launched in 2019 for young people aged 15 to 17, is a civilian and includes a cohesion stay followed by two weeks of general interest mission.