Which European countries have mandatory or voluntary military service

1 hour ago Share Save Patrick Jackson and Emma Brancatisano Share Save

Reuters Recruits on live-fire exercises in Ahlen, Germany, last month

Some of Europe's biggest Nato members are moving to strengthen their professional armies through voluntary national service schemes. Large conscripted armies were a feature of Nato states during the Cold War but they dwindled in size after the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the ongoing war there have kindled fears of a possible future Russian attack on Nato. Here we look at how this new recruitment drive is playing out among Nato's 30 European member states, many of whom still have conscript armies.

Who conscripts?

Conscription is in place for nine

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