Germany Joins Growing List Of Nations Reviving Military Service, Here's Where Conscription Still Exists

Last Updated:June 27, 2026, 16:09 IST

Germany unveils voluntary military service expansion, reigniting debate on conscription as Europe reassess defence amid Russia Ukraine war and global use of mandatory service.

Germany has reignited the debate over compulsory military service after unveiling plans to expand military recruitment through a new voluntary service model amid growing security concerns in Europe. While Berlin has not formally restored conscription, the move marks its biggest military recruitment overhaul since compulsory service was suspended in 2011.

The development comes as several countries continue to rely on mandatory military service to maintain troop strength and national preparedness. Around 60 countries across the world still have some form of conscription, although the duration, eligibility and enforcement vary widely.

Europe

• Austria – Mandatory for men
• Belarus – Mandatory for men
• Cyprus – Mandatory for men
• Denmark – Mandatory for men; expanding to women under recent reforms
• Estonia – Mandatory for men
• Finland – Mandatory for men
• Greece – Mandatory for men
• Latvia – Reintroduced conscription in 2023
• Lithuania – Mandatory for men
• Moldova – Mandatory for men
• Norway – Selective conscription for both men and women
• Russia – Mandatory for men
• Sweden – Selective conscription for men and women
• Switzerland – Mandatory for men
• Ukraine – Wartime mobilisation and compulsory service

Middle East

• Iran – Mandatory for men
• Israel – Mandatory for most Jewish men and women, with exemptions
• Turkey – Mandatory for men
• Qatar – Mandatory for men
• United Arab Emirates – Mandatory for men; voluntary for women

Asia

• China – Conscription exists in law, though the military is primarily volunteer-based
• North Korea – Mandatory for men and women
• South Korea – Mandatory for men
• Singapore – Mandatory for men
• Thailand – Lottery-based conscription
• Vietnam – Mandatory for men
• Mongolia – Mandatory for men

Africa

• Algeria – Mandatory for men
• Egypt – Mandatory for men
• Eritrea – Mandatory for men and women
• Morocco – Reintroduced mandatory military service in 2019

Americas

• Brazil – Military service is compulsory by law for men, though only a small percentage are called up
• Cuba – Mandatory for men

Countries Where Both Men And Women Can Be Drafted

• Israel
• Norway
• Sweden
• North Korea
• Eritrea
• Morocco

Germany’s latest military reforms reflect a broader trend across Europe, where governments are reassessing defence policies and military readiness in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and growing geopolitical tensions. While Germany has stopped short of restoring compulsory military service, the issue remains firmly on the political agenda as the country seeks to strengthen its armed forces.

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