Amid escalating fears of Russian aggression and the shifting dynamics of global security, European nations are increasingly turning to a once-abandoned strategy: mass mobilization through conscription and reservist recruitment. With professional military forces dwindling in both size and capability, countries across the continent are rebuilding “citizen armies” to fill critical gaps in defense, deterrence, and national preparedness.

From France’s growing reserve corps to Lithuania’s return to universal service, and Denmark’s historic move to draft women, the continent is witnessing a significant redefinition of military service. As governments recalibrate defense policies in response to the war in Ukraine, NATO expansion, and uncertain American commitment, Europe is moving toward a model not seen since the Cold War: civilians doubling as soldiers.

France: Professional Civilians, Civilian Professionals

France has announced plans to more than double its number of reservists—from 40,000 to 105,000—by 2035. The push is part of President Keir Starmer’s broader defense strategy to create a more agile, hybrid force combining full-time troops with trained civilian professionals. The French military now routinely trains lawyers, IT consultants, engineers, and students on weekends.

Matthieu, a 26-year-old IBM consultant and now a reserve lieutenant, commands 30 part-time troops near Paris. “These are people who could work for a bank on Monday and deploy in an emergency by Friday,” he said. “It’s not about becoming a career soldier—it’s about being ready.”

The initiative comes with incentives: reservists receive paid leave from their civilian employers, training in high-demand skills such as cybersecurity or drone operation, and a strengthened sense of civic responsibility. For young recruits like Luan, an engineering student, it’s also a gateway into the booming defense industry. “It looks great on a CV,” he admitted.

Lithuania: A Nation on Alert

For Lithuania, the return to conscription is deeply tied to its historical trauma. Once under Soviet occupation, the Baltic state reinstated mandatory military service in 2015. Since then, it has steadily increased its defense budget—now exceeding 5% of GDP—and aims to build a total force of 68,000, including 50,000 reservists.

Paramilitary groups like the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, which dates back to the early 20th century, have experienced a surge in enrollment. With rising concerns over potential Russian incursions, participation has become a badge of honor and a pillar of national identity.

“Lithuanians know that no one will defend us unless we defend ourselves first,” said one Riflemen commander.

Denmark: Equality on the Battlefield

Denmark is breaking new ground by proposing to draft women into its conscription system for the first time. The move reflects not only a political commitment to gender equality but also an urgent need to expand the defense workforce. Denmark’s conscripts fill a range of roles—from traditional infantry positions to tech-heavy posts in data analysis and electronic warfare.

Emmely Søgaard Hansen, 22, who began as a volunteer and now serves on Denmark’s conscription advisory council, believes the change is both symbolic and strategic. “We’re sending the message that every citizen, regardless of gender, has a role in defending the country,” she said.

Sweden: The “Selective Service” Model

Sweden, which reintroduced conscription in 2017 after decades of a purely professional force, has crafted a selective model that views service as a competitive opportunity. Only a small percentage—roughly 4% of 18-year-olds—are drafted, but that number is expected to grow as Stockholm strengthens its military posture.

By framing service as elite and merit-based, Sweden has sought to overcome cultural resistance to conscription in a liberal society. “You earn it, you don’t just get it,” said one officer overseeing recruitment. The approach has proved popular, especially among students and early-career professionals.

The Recruitment Crisis: Germany, UK, and Spain Struggle

Germany faces perhaps the steepest challenge: its military is 100,000 troops short of strategic targets. Defense officials warn that without conscription or major reform, Germany will fall short of its NATO commitments. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s regular forces have dropped to 73,000—its smallest standing army since the Napoleonic Wars. The UK now relies on private companies to help recruit troops.

Spain is also seeing a mass exodus from its military ranks. Low pay, limited promotion prospects, and a booming private defense sector have lured trained professionals away from the armed forces. Some Spanish officials are privately exploring reintroducing limited forms of service to halt the decline.

Ethical and Strategic Risks

The resurgence of conscription has not been without controversy. Critics argue that brief training periods and large-scale mobilizations may produce poorly prepared soldiers. Others warn of cultural backlash in societies where individual freedoms are prized.

“The biggest challenge is not training the soldier—it’s persuading the citizen,” said one French defense analyst.

Still, for many, the existential threat of conflict has reshaped the debate. Dalila, a 60-year-old French-Algerian and former air force pilot, recently rejoined as a reservist sapper. “I don’t want my children to see what I saw,” she said. “This isn’t about war. It’s about resilience.”

Europe’s New Defense Compact

As Russian aggression continues and American defense guarantees become less certain, European governments are crafting a new social contract—one in which military service, once a relic of the past, is reemerging as a civic duty and strategic necessity. Whether this pivot can restore deterrence and readiness remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the future of European defense now lies as much in the hands of ordinary citizens as it does in military command centers.