Now playing Next Uncovering Europe European countries rethink military service amid Ukraine war Britain had done away with military service in 1963; Belgium did so in 1992. But between 2004 and 2011, a vast swathe of Europe did away with national service. Only Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Cyprus, Greece, Austria and Switzerland have never abandoned conscription. 26/07/2022
Now playing Next Latvia Latvia to reintroduce compulsory military service amid Ukraine war "We have no reason to believe that Russia will change its behaviour," said Defence Minister Artis Pabriks. 06/07/2022
Now playing Next Eritrea Euroviews. Understanding why Eritreans flee to Europe ǀ View Since 2003, the [Eritrea] government has forced final year secondary school students - boys and girls - into compulsory military training at the Sawa military camp. They are then channelled into indefinite national service, either in military or civilian roles. 09/08/2019
Now playing Next Germany Germany debates the return of national service Seven years after it was abolished, Germany is once again debating the topic of compulsory military service. The issue has been reignited by members of the conservative CDU Party ahead of October's election. They have suggested holding a referendum on the issue to see what voters think. 07/08/2018
Now playing Next France On Macron's orders: France will bring back compulsory national service The French government has introduced a plan to bring back national service for all 16-year-olds, nearly two decades after it was scrapped. 27/06/2018
