Croatia has become the latest of 10 NATO member states to reintroduce compulsory military service, as several European countries respond to rising global tensions. The move comes as UK households are being advised to prepare for potential emergencies.
Why conscription is returning
Croatia's parliament voted to bring back mandatory military service last October, after it was scrapped in 2008 when the country moved to a volunteer system. The decision follows Russia's war on Ukraine, which has renewed fears of a possible future attack on NATO.
While the UK has not introduced conscription, the Government has published new advice for all households on how to be ready for emergencies.
UK 'be ready' guidance
The new checklist advises households to stockpile enough tinned food, bottled water and first aid kits, as well as hand sanitiser, blankets and clockwork radios for three days.
The Government states: "Being ready for 3 days helps you manage while support reaches those most in need. Doing this is easier than you might think. You could have some of the items at home already."
It adds: "You don't need to do it all at once. Build up your readiness gradually over time by taking it step by step, and picking up an extra item or two when you can."
Countries with conscription
Denmark has introduced gender equality in conscription. Since July 2025, Danish women can be called up for 11 months of military service when they turn 18, through a lottery system. The change also raised the conscription period for teenagers from four months to 11 months.
Estonia, on the eastern edge of NATO territory, has mandatory military service for physically and mentally healthy male citizens. Conscript service lasts 11 months, but this will soon increase to 12 months, raising the number called up to 4,100 by 2027. Estonian women aged 18 to 27 can also join voluntarily under the same terms.
All male Greek citizens aged 19 to 45 must serve 12 months in the military, with conscription having been a core policy since 1914. Greece also launched its first voluntary military service programme for women aged 20 to 26 in June 2026.
Latvia, which shares a land border with Russia to its east, reintroduced compulsory military service in July 2023 for the first time since 2006. Conscripts must serve a minimum of 11 months in the National Armed Forces or National Guard. In 2027, up to 2,800 people can be admitted to the 11-month service in the National Armed Forces.
