Voluntary or Mandatory Conscription in the Army? Heated Debates in Germany over a New Military Service Model
Germany is experiencing a significant debate over whether to introduce voluntary or mandatory military conscription as a response to increased defense needs following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
"The right to refuse military service is enshrined in our constitution"
The number of military service refusers has significantly increased in 2025, which SPD foreign policy official Ralf Stegner does not see as a warning sign of failure for voluntary service, stating, "We are still on our way."
France launches military recruitment drive
France has initiated a recruitment campaign for a new voluntary military service aimed at young people, citing a response to Russian threats amid a broader European military build-up.
Military Service in France: Not Everyone is Allowed to Serve in this Army
France is taking a different approach to military service compared to Germany, launching a recruitment campaign for a voluntary military service that targets 18 to 25-year-olds.
Voluntary Military Service: France Launches New Ten-Month Program
France has begun recruiting thousands of young people for a new voluntary ten-month military service program, with the first participants set to start in September and plans to have 10,000 recruits annually by 2030.
France introduces a new ten-month voluntary military service
France has launched a campaign for a new ten-month voluntary national military service aimed at young citizens, with training for participants set to begin in September.
Military Service: Voluntary in Belgium, Mandatory in Sweden... Where Do We Stand in Europe?
Several European countries are reinstating forms of conscription, either voluntary or mandatory, in response to the ongoing threat from Russia, ahead of France's recruitment campaign for its new voluntary national service.
France begins recruitment campaign for voluntary military service of 10 months
France has launched a recruitment campaign for a new ten-month voluntary national military service, as announced by President Emmanuel Macron last November.
New Regulation since January 1: Mail from the Bundeswehr: Are you interested in becoming a soldier?
Since January 1, young men must complete a questionnaire for military service, with women also invited, as part of an initiative to grow the Bundeswehr on a voluntary basis.
New regulation since January 1: Mail from the Bundeswehr: Are you interested in becoming a soldier?
Since January 1, young men are required to answer a questionnaire about military service, with women also encouraged to participate, as part of an effort to expand the Bundeswehr on a voluntary basis.
The Truth: Pumpkin Spice Latte in Bed and Cozy Showering
The new military service law has taken effect, introducing a duty for adult men to provide information, while actual service remains voluntary.
National Service: The recruitment campaign launched on January 12, candidates will be informed in May
A voluntary national service initiative by Emmanuel Macron will begin this summer, with selected candidates notified before the Parcoursup admission results.
France Introduces Voluntary Military Service; Compensation for Recruits Lower than in Croatia
France is set to introduce a voluntary military service starting in the summer of 2026, offering young recruits a monthly compensation of 1,000 euros, which is less than the 1,100 euros provided for mandatory service in Croatia.