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Empowered Nations: European Countries with Military Service

November 27, 2025
Team World

Military Service in European Countries: An Overview

Military service has long been a topic of discussion in Europe, with various countries having different stances on conscription or voluntary service. While some nations maintain compulsory service, others have recently reconsidered their military policies. Let’s explore which European countries have military service requirements and how these policies have evolved over the years.

Countries with Mandatory Military Service

  1. Denmark: Denmark has a unique approach to military service. The country extended its conscription period from four to eleven months in recent years. Notably, they now include women in this mandatory service, selecting young Danes randomly by their military needs.

  2. Finland: In Finland, military service lasts between six to twelve months. The length depends on the individual’s specialty and rank. Once they complete their service, Finnish conscripts are placed in the reserves, where they can be called back until they reach the age of 50 or 60. Interestingly, military service for women is voluntary.

  3. Norway: Norway made headlines in 2013 by making military service compulsory for women as well. Young Norwegians, about 15% of each age group, can be selected based on their qualifications and motivations, serving a total of 12 months.

  4. Estonia: In Estonia, men are required to undertake military service for eight to eleven months, while women can serve voluntarily. This allows them to fit into the same units as reservists later on.

  5. Greece: Greek men over 18 must serve for nine to twelve months. Recently, the government has allowed women to join the military on a voluntary basis.

  6. Cyprus: Men in Cyprus face a 14-month conscription requirement. The government has now passed a law that allows women to volunteer for military service.

  7. Austria and Switzerland: These neutral countries also have conscription. Austria requires men to serve for six months, while Switzerland has a nine-month service period. Women can serve if they wish.

Countries That Have Reinstated Mandatory Service

  1. Lithuania: Lithuania reinstated conscription in 2015 after a brief hiatus. The selection process involves a lottery, and men serve for nine months, while women’ service remains voluntary. Conscripts are placed in reserves for ten years, extending to fifteen years in 2026.

  2. Sweden: After a seven-year break, Sweden brought back conscription in 2017. Both men and women are obliged to serve for nine to fifteen months, depending on their role.

  3. Latvia: In 2023, Latvia revived conscription, requiring men to serve for eleven months, while women have the option to join. They can also opt for a five-year commitment to the national guard.

  4. Croatia: In a recent move, Croatia decided to reintroduce compulsory military service starting next year, having suspended it in 2008.

Countries Moving to Voluntary Service

  1. France: On a different note, France announced a new 10-month voluntary military service program aimed primarily at young people aged 18 and 19. This is a significant shift after the country suspended conscription in 1997.

  2. Belgium and the Netherlands: Belgium abolished mandatory service in 1994, and the Netherlands followed suit in 1997. However, efforts are underway to introduce voluntary military service in both countries soon.

  3. Germany: After scrapping conscription in 2011, Germany is now considering a voluntary military service model, aiming to recruit about 20,000 volunteers by 2026.

  4. Poland: Poland has suspended conscription since 2009 but currently offers a one-month voluntary basic military training course, along with an optional 11-month specialist program.

  5. United Kingdom: The UK completely ended conscription in 1960, and the current government has shelved any plans for its reintroduction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, military service varies widely throughout Europe. Some countries maintain conscription for both men and women, while others have moved towards voluntary schemes. Understanding these military policies can provide insights into each nation’s defense strategies and the importance they place on military readiness.

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Original Text – https://www.thelocal.es/20251127/threat-of-war-which-countries-in-europe-have-military-service