Europe Bolsters Defenses Amid Rising Security Concerns
Paris – As France prepares to substantially expand its military capabilities, a wave of initiatives is underway across Europe to bolster army sizes and preparedness, driven by heightened geopolitical tensions and the war in Ukraine. While approaches vary, many nations are reassessing traditional models of military recruitment and training.
Several European countries are considering or implementing changes to their military structures. Sweden reintroduced general conscription in 2017, requiring all citizens aged 18-49 to be eligible for military service. Finland maintains universal male conscription. Latvia and Lithuania, similar to Denmark, employ a lottery system to select conscripts when volunteer numbers fall short.
Croatia recently reversed its 18-year-old decision to abolish mandatory military service,reinstating conscription. Poland is developing a plan for large-scale military training encompassing all adult males, aiming to double the size of its armed forces.
Public opinion in several nations increasingly favors some form of mandatory service. Recent polls indicate majority support in Germany, France, and Poland. Though, Germany’s government recently opted against compulsory service, prioritizing a voluntary model, with a potential reconsideration if recruitment goals aren’t met.
France’s proposed expansion is unlikely to involve reinstating the mandatory military service ended in 1997. Many countries are incentivizing volunteer recruitment with benefits like cash bonuses, preferential job access, and educational opportunities.
Military leaders often cite the higher professionalism and motivation of volunteer armies, but acknowledge their significant cost. Conscripts contribute to both active personnel numbers and a readily available reserve force.
Experts caution that conscription isn’t a guaranteed solution. “In countries where there is domestic resistance, mandatory conscription could even undermine public resolve to shore up the national defences,” argues Carnegie Endowment for International Peace researcher, Michael Besch. He emphasizes that successful conscription models rely on a foundation of volunteerism and require “time and sustained domestic debate” to cultivate a culture of service.
