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Who Still has a Military Draft in Europe?

April 12, 2002

The number of countries in Europe that still have a military draft is shrinking. Below, a list of European Union member states and their military service requirements.

https://p.dw.com/p/25CX

Austria - Seven months military service. Austria is discussing whether to eliminate the draft entirely.

Belgium - Ended the draft in 1992

Britain - No draft

Denmark - Between four and 12 months military service.

Finland - Between six and 12 months military service.

Germany - Nine months military service. Optional civil service.

Greece - Between 12 and 16 months military service. Greece, like Austria, is discussing whether to eliminate the draft entirely.

Ireland - No draft

Italy - Ten months military service. Italy decided in 2000 to phase out their conscription army by 2006.

Luxembourg - No draft

Netherlands - Ended the draft in 1996

Portugal - Four months. Portugal will expects to phase out its conscription army by 2003.

Spain - Ended the draft in 2000

Sweden - Between 18 and 23 months military service.