France Launches 10-Month Voluntary Military Programme Amid European Defence Shifts

France Rolls Out New 10-Month Voluntary Military Service as Europe Reconfigures Defence Models

France has announced a 10-month voluntary military service programme , set to begin next summer, signalling a renewed focus on defence preparedness across Europe. The initiative follows years of debate on restoring national service after conscription was suspended in 1997. With geopolitical tensions rising, particularly due to Russia’s expanding military influence, many European nations are re-evaluating their defence structures through both mandatory and voluntary service models .

European Nations With Active Conscription

Several countries have continued with compulsory military service as a fundamental security pillar. Denmark recently expanded the service period and included women under mandatory enrolment , while Finland requires 6–12 months of service for men , with civilian alternatives available. Norway mandates 12 months for both men and women , and Estonia requires 8–11 months for men . Among southern European states, Greece and Cyprus maintain service requirements of up to a year, and Austria and Switzerland uphold conscription for men with voluntary pathways for women.

Countries Reviving Conscription Models

A new trend of reinstating national service has emerged in nations facing heightened security threats. Lithuania revived conscription in 2015 , followed by Sweden in 2017 , applying to both genders with terms ranging from 9–15 months. Latvia reintroduced compulsory service in 2023 , and Croatia has approved the return of conscription for men beginning next year , reflecting growing investment in military readiness.

Shift Toward Flexible Voluntary Schemes

Meanwhile, countries that abandoned conscription are turning to hybrid voluntary service systems. The Netherlands revived voluntary enrolment in 2023 , Bulgaria adopted a similar approach in 2020, and Belgium—after ending conscription in 1994—will introduce a 12-month voluntary programme in 2026 . Romania is preparing to launch a 4-month voluntary service, while Poland offers a short 1-month basic training followed by optional extended service to strengthen reserves.

Exam Oriented Facts

• France to launch a 10-month voluntary military service from next summer.

• Denmark & Norway mandate service for both men and women.

• Sweden reinstated conscription in 2017 ; term 9–15 months.

• Belgium ended conscription in 1994 but will introduce voluntary service in 2026.