Europe considers mandatory military service
Experts say only conscript armies can fight long wars. EU countries are discussing this.
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European countries are talking about bringing back mandatory military service. Currently, nine of 27 EU countries have conscription, and Croatia will restart it in 2026. This discussion happens because NATO wants countries to spend 5% of their money on defense.
Different countries have different opinions. In Czech Republic, most politicians don't want conscription. In Germany, 54% of people support it, but political parties disagree.
The German government suggested a compromise where 18-year-old men fill forms about military service. Military experts believe conscript armies are better for long wars than professional armies. They also want Europe to depend less on American military help.
Some experts worry this preparation could lead to conflict with Russia, which might be very dangerous.