European Conscription

Conscription (called Selective Service or The Draft) was ended in the United States 51 years ago in 1973.

Conscription is still used throughout the World though.

Here is a map of the Countries in Europe that continue to have Conscription (in red) and the Terms of Service:

 

Austria: 6 Months for every Male.

Belarus: Every Male.

Cyprus: 14 Months for every Male in the Greek Part of Cyprus. Exit Visa Required to leave Island.

Denmark (NATO Member): 4 to 12 Months for every Male.

Estonia (NATO Member): 11 Months for Officers and 8 Months for Recruits - every Male.

Finland (NATO Member except Aland): 347 days for Officers and 165 Days for Recruits – every Male.

Greece (NATO Member): 12 -36 Months for every Male with Irregular Call-Ups afterwards.

Latvia (NATO Member): Ended in 2004, but reinstated in 2023 because of Russia’s War in Ukraine.

Lithuania (NATO Member): Ended in 2008, but reinstated in 2015 (after Russia invaded and occupied Crimea): 9 Months for every Male.

Moldova: 12 Months for every Male.

Norway (NATO Member): Males and Females

Russia: 12 Months for every Male 18-30 years old. Mobilization of Males 30-75 years old started in 2023. No Term Limits until the “Special Military Operation” or War in Ukraine ends.

Sweden: 12 Months for every Male and Female.

Switzerland: Every Male. Can chose 300 days continuous service or a shorter service with Regular Call-Ups.

Turkey (NATO Member): 6 Months for every Male.

Ukraine: Ended in 2013, but reinstated in 2014 after Russia invaded and occupied Crimea.

 

Countries that had Conscription in Europe with Year Ended:

Albania (2010 and NATO Member), Belgium (2004 and NATO Member), Bosnia and Herzegovina (2006), Bulgaria (2008 and NATO Member), Croatia (2008 and NATO Member), the Czech Republic (2005 and NATO Member), France (2001 and NATO Member), Germany (2011 and NATO Member), Hungary (2004 and NATO Member), Ireland (since independence in 1922), Italy (2005 and NATO Member), Luxembourg (1967 and NATO Member), Malta, Monaco (1870), The Netherlands (1997 and NATO Member), North Macedonia (2006 and NATO Member), Poland (2009 and NATO Member), Portugal (2004 and NATO Member), Romania (2007 and NATO Member), Serbia (2011), Slovakia (2006 and NATO Member), Slovenia (and NATO Member), Spain (2001 and NATO Member) and the United Kingdom (1960 and NATO Member).

 

Iceland (NATO Member): Has no Military.