Military service again in Germany - and where else in Europe
They are not only thinking about re-introduction in Serbia military service - already in Germany. This is what the conservative CDU stands for. How was this issue resolved in other countries in Europe?
After long debates, the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) voted at its party convention earlier this week to favor a gradual return of conscription in Germany. Young people would thus have to go to the army again for a certain period of time or to serve that term in civilian life for a certain period of time. That obligation was abolished in 2011. "We will gradually withdraw the suspension of military service and convert mandatory military service into a mandatory year of service to society," the CDU resolution states. Deutsche says.
The so-called "social year" could take place both in the Bundeswehr and in social institutions. And until that decision is finally implemented, the CDU proposes to introduce a "conditional military service obligation" that will be adjusted according to the personnel needs of the German army. The reason for such a turn by the CDU, the party that was in power when conscription was abolished, is concern over an increasingly aggressive Russia and a shortage of personnel in the Bundeswehr.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius should make a decision on reintroducing some form of military service by the summer. How did other countries in Europe solve this problem?
Sweden - a model for Germany?
Minister Pistorius is currently testing various models, including the Swedish one. Sweden suspended conscription in 2010, but reintroduced it seven years later, following Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Since then, all 18-year-olds must apply and fill out the appropriate online form. Some of them then call for a medical examination. However, in the end, only about five to ten percent of men and women annually end up accepting the service. Only those who are ready to do military service voluntarily are recruited.
So there are records, but practically the military service itself is voluntary. At the end of 2023, Sweden has also decided to reintroduce compulsory work for the common good, say in emergency services.
German Defense Minister Pistorius assesses that the Swedish model is "particularly suitable" for German needs.
Denmark and Norway - women in the future also in the army
In Denmark, there is also compulsory military service from the age of 18, but for now only for men. Women should be recruited from 2026. In addition, the basic military term is extended from four to eleven months. Similar to Sweden, now only part of a year is called, because enough volunteers apply.
In Norway, since 2016, both men and women have to report for registration, where their suitability for the army is medically assessed. However, even in that Scandinavian country, in the end, only a part of those who sign up are called to the army. Due to rigorous selection, military service is considered as valuable as other higher education qualifications.
Austria – one short episode
Despite numerous arguments, Austria never gave up military service. Men between the ages of 18 and 35 are drafted into the armed forces only for six months of basic training, provided that they have previously been found fit. A person who expresses conscientious objection and does not want to join the army because of this can do nine months of community service. Women can volunteer in the army.
Croatia
In Croatia, military service was abolished in 2008, after which voluntary service was introduced. But, due to the increasingly weak response, there has been a loud discussion for some time about the re-introduction of some kind of military service.
Latvia – again conscription due to Russian aggression
Latvia also re-introduced compulsory military service on a voluntary basis last year, and from this year all men aged 18 to 27 will be conscripted. The service is expected to last eleven months. Women can choose to go for training voluntarily. From 2028 onwards, 7.500 men will be invited each year. According to NATO, this roughly corresponds to the number of professional soldiers in that country.
Substitute service is possible and can be performed in one of the facilities that are subordinate to the Ministry of Defense. The Baltic country re-introduced military service due to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. It is one of the three NATO countries bordering Russia. The other two, Estonia and Finland, never abolished conscription.
Ukraine and Lithuania - recruitment after the annexation of Crimea
Ukraine reintroduced conscription shortly after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. This applies to all men between the ages of 18 and 26. In addition, after the Russian attack in February 2022, the Ukrainian government passed a law according to which all men between the ages of 18 and 60 can be mobilized.
Lithuania also reacted quickly and reintroduced conscription in 2015, after it had been abolished a few years earlier. About 3.500 citizens will be mobilized annually.
Grčka – civil service lasts twice as long
In Greece, all men between the ages of 18 and 45 are required to serve in the army. Service in all branches of the armed forces lasts twelve months. There are exceptions depending on location and unit. Shorter service refers, for example, to border operations or with special units such as paratroopers or divers. Those who come from large families also serve a shorter term.
The alternative is work for the common good, but that form of service takes twice as long. In the future, there will also be voluntary military service for women. The basic service with weapons was extended only in 2021, and the reason is the long-term conflict with Turkey, as well as the low birth rate.
Turkey - if you have money, you serve less time
Turkey has one peculiarity: conscripts can shorten their time in the army by four weeks for a fee of around 5.000 euros. In the past, longer deadlines were also possible, which could be canceled for a fee. In general, compulsory military service applies to all men between the ages of 20 and 41 and lasts at least six months. Anyone who avoids service receives a fine or goes to prison. There is no right to refuse military service.
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