15 European Countries with Conscription
European Conscription Trends in 2024/2025
The article from Express.co.uk discusses a growing trend of conscription or mandatory military service in European countries, driven by increased geopolitical tensions, notably following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As of January 8, 2026, this trend continues, tho the specific details and implementation vary significantly between nations. The UK currently maintains a professional army but faces increasing calls to reconsider conscription.
Current Status of Conscription in Europe
Conscription, or mandatory military service, exists in various forms across Europe. It is indeed not a uniform system; some countries have global conscription for both men and women, while others have selective conscription based on age, gender, or other criteria. Several nations reintroduced or extended conscription programs in response to the evolving security landscape.
According to a report by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) published in November 2023, the following countries have some form of conscription:
* Austria: Mandatory military service for all able-bodied men aged 18-35, with an option for civilian service. Bundesheer (Austrian Federal Army)
* Belarus: Mandatory military service for men aged 18-27. ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus
* Cyprus: Mandatory military service for men aged 18-21. Cyprus Ministry of Defence
* Estonia: Mandatory military service for men aged 18-28, with a growing focus on preparedness. Estonian ministry of Defence
* Finland: Mandatory military service for men aged 18-60, with options for alternative civilian service. Finnish Ministry of defence
* Greece: Mandatory military service for men aged 18-45,with varying durations depending on branch. Hellenic Army
* Iceland: While not traditional conscription,Iceland maintains a system of mandatory basic military training for all citizens. Icelandic Coast Guard
* Latvia: Reintroduced selective conscription in 2023 for men aged 18-27,with plans for expansion. Latvian Ministry of Defence
* Lithuania: Mandatory military service for men aged 18-26,with options for alternative service. Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence
* Moldova: Mandatory military service for men aged 18-27. National Army of Moldova
* Norway: Universal conscription for both men and women, though a relatively small percentage are actually called up for service. Norwegian Armed forces
* Russia: Mandatory military service for men aged 18-27. Russian Ministry of Defence
* Serbia: Mandatory military service for men aged 18-20, with options for alternative service. Serbian Ministry of Defence
* Sweden: Reintroduced a form of limited conscription in 2017, with a focus on voluntary recruitment supplemented by conscripts. Swedish Armed Forces
* Ukraine: Mandatory military service for men aged 18-60, significantly expanded due to the ongoing war with Russia. Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
UK Debate on Conscription
While the UK currently relies on a