European nations reconsider conscription due to rising tensions

Conscription is becoming a topic of discussion again in Europe due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Many countries are worried about possible expansion from Russia and want to strengthen their military. Leaders are increasing defense spending and considering compulsory military service. During the Cold War, most European nations required at least one year of military service. However, many countries ended this practice after the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s. Now, some nations are bringing back conscription to bolster their military ranks. Latvia has already reintroduced mandatory military service for young men. The country shares a long border with Russia and fears a possible invasion. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics has urged other European countries to follow Latvia's lead in this matter. Currently, eight EU countries have compulsory military service: Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Lithuania, Norway, Switzerland, and Sweden. Public support for conscription is growing in France and Germany, with many citizens favoring mandatory service. In the UK, a Defense Select Committee member stated that the country would likely bring back conscription if war with Russia occurs. He highlighted that involving the population would be necessary in an all-out conflict.