The end of the Cold War brought a long process of winding down compulsory military service in many countries and sparked a reassessment of Europe’s defense posture. After decades of a largely peaceable order, the continent ultimately faced a new reality: armed forces that were smaller in size but better prepared and more professional. Three decades on, regional tensions and renewed assertiveness from Russia have prompted some nations to rethink their approach. Several European states are strengthening their militaries, with debates about universal conscription and hybrid models appearing anew across the region. In short, Europe is not merely maintaining its defenses; it is expanding and reforming its military footprint to adapt to a changed security environment.
In recent times Latvia has moved to reclaim mandatory military service, a policy it abolished when it joined NATO about thirty years ago. The government has approved a proposal, with Parliament still to vote. The plan would require nearly all men aged 18 to 27 to serve, while women would be eligible for service from 2028. A notable portion of Latvia’s population with ties to Russia is observed pursuing greater military readiness. The Defense Ministry notes that the current system has reached its limits and even signals plans to establish a second military base. At present Latvia maintains about 7,500 active personnel, supported by roughly 1,500 NATO personnel, but the goal is to grow the armed forces to around 50,000. Analysts note that strong deterrence requires broader collaboration, and national resilience improves when adversaries face a more capable and larger defending force.
Quota-based recruitment in the Baltic and nearby states
Following Latvia’s example, Lithuania began adjusting its approach in 2015, shortly after Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Lithuania now runs an annual recruitment cycle that favors volunteers while also allowing conscription by lottery. The plan was expanded, and discussions about universal conscription have continued as a sign of anxiety about regional security and the deterrent value of a ready citizen army. Poland is moving in a similar direction, forming a volunteer-based military contingent and considering measures to increase the overall size of its forces. The aim is to double the country’s military capacity in the face of evolving threats.
The Nordic neighbors have also adjusted their policies. Norway expanded its model by including women in military service and adopting a selective, quota-based system to identify the most capable and motivated youth. Two years later, Sweden reinstated conscription after ending it in 2010 due to shortages of professional soldiers. Observers have praised the Norwegian approach as a practical response to modern warfare where mass mobilization is less central, and highly skilled personnel are more valuable than large, traditional conscripts. Analysts emphasize that this model can deliver a capable force without requiring universal service in all situations.
Seven countries maintaining a standing army
Some European nations have faced scrutiny over their recruitment models. Denmark has reviewed its Scandinavian quota-based approach, citing difficulties in recruiting enough professionals. Reports indicate vacancies remain a challenge across several armed forces, with estimates around 9,000 vacancies in some cases. Germany, along with Spain, Italy, and France, have historically moved away from compulsory service after the Cold War. A small group of countries continues to maintain some form of universal or near-universal service, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Cyprus, Greece, Austria, and Switzerland.
Even within major parties, discussions about the role of national service persist. Conservative and even some ruling party figures have floated the idea of reinstating service, while others advocate a broader debate about the needs of national defense in a changing strategic landscape. The topic remains a live policy issue in several capitals, reflecting ongoing concerns about defense readiness and societal cohesion in times of geopolitical uncertainty.