Executive Summary 

Countries in Europe will increasingly shift towards mandatory military service in the coming years as a response to growing geopolitical security threats. The post-Cold War consensus on professional armies has collapsed, presenting a trend that is likely to increase conscription across Europe. This comes as a collective response to Russian aggression along NATO’s borders, along with recent uncertainty over the reliability of the United States. These persisting threats are likely to accelerate the shift from professional to mandatory armies. Some countries have restored volunteer programs to boost conscription and keep public fear at bay. However, these emerging programs may just serve as a bridge to mandatory service, as they are an unlikely stand alone solution to future and ongoing security threats.