Recently, European governments have reignited debates on mobilization and changed military recruitment rules. The main reason is the war in Ukraine, which compels Western countries to reassess defense strategies and address soldier shortages.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for Ukraine's mobilization in late November, highlighting that readiness is the best way to avoid threats. France, previously shifting away from conscription, is now launching a voluntary military service program, aiming to enlist 3,000 volunteers in 2024 and up to 50,000 annually by 2035. While France does not plan to return to mandatory conscription, some countries have reinstated it — including Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden. Germany is proposing to register all 18-year-old males, while Denmark now requires both men and women to serve.
After the Cold War, many Western armies significantly downsized, but current losses in Ukraine show that high-intensity warfare demands more personnel. Europe is ramping up arms production, facing criticism from the US for favoring domestic defense industries over American imports.
An ongoing recruitment crisis is another key factor. Many armies lack enough recruits, even for limited forces. The US has recently failed to meet minimum recruitment goals, and Britain has its smallest professional military in over 180 years. Canada, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand face similar problems.
The causes of this crisis include shifting youth values, growing individualism, low patriotism, and skepticism toward nationalism. Strict medical and age requirements limit the eligible pool: more than half of applicants are rejected for health reasons, often due to bureaucratic regulations. Some countries are beginning to relax these strict standards.
Adaptation includes preparatory training programs, relaxed information and physical standards, and more flexible health checks. To stay competitive in the job market, militaries offer higher salaries, bonuses, housing, and education benefits. Applications have increased in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Nonetheless, many new recruits leave within months — especially those with rare or in-demand skills. Key reasons are tough service conditions and difficulties maintaining family life.
In summary, European countries are overhauling mobilization and recruitment policies. However, large-scale expansion remains complicated by high turnover and unresolved bureaucratic barriers.
