NATO chief rejects mandatory EU-wide conscription, says decision lies with nations

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stated that the decision on mandatory military conscription in Europe will be made by the governments of individual countries.

In an interview with The New York Times, he responded negatively when asked whether Europe would have to introduce mandatory military conscription, as per Caliber.Az.

“No, no, that’s up to the individual countries to decide. Some countries will do it. Finland already has conscription. Others will not do it, but it will mean in general paying good salaries for our men and women in uniform,” Rutte said.

The debate over mandatory conscription has gained traction in Europe as NATO countries grapple with the challenges of maintaining robust militaries in the face of evolving security threats. Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, has long maintained mandatory conscription for men, a policy that has strengthened its defense posture since joining NATO in 2023.

Other nations, such as Norway and Sweden, also have conscription systems, while countries like Germany ended mandatory service in 2011 but are now reconsidering its reinstatement amid concerns over Russian aggression.

By Khagan Isayev