Belgium has officially launched a new youth recruitment campaign, inviting all 17-year-olds across the country to apply for voluntary military service beginning in 2026.
Defence Minister Theo Francken announced on Thursday that nearly 149,000 letters are being sent out this week, marking the start of a major national initiative to strengthen the country’s defence participation among young citizens.
“Starting today, they’re arriving. Let’s go!” Francken wrote on X, confirming the rollout of the letters, which aim to attract fresh recruits for Belgium’s voluntary service programme.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the goal is to recruit approximately 500 young people for a year of training set to begin in September 2026. Training will take place at several military locations across the country, providing participants with a structured introduction to defence operations, teamwork, and discipline.
Of the total letters, 90,800 were written in Dutch, 56,900 in French, and 925 in German, reflecting the nation’s linguistic diversity. Each letter outlines the opportunities and responsibilities associated with voluntary military participation and encourages young recipients to consider this path as they approach adulthood.
The letters emphasize the importance of the age of 18 as a key moment for making decisions about one’s future, presenting military service as an enriching experience rather than a long-term obligation. The programme is entirely voluntary, distinguishing it from mandatory conscription, which Belgium abolished in 1995.
Recipients are invited to register for an information session where they will learn about the nature of the training, the skills they can acquire, and potential future career paths within the Belgian Defence. Attendance at one of these sessions is compulsory for anyone wishing to proceed with the application process.
Applications for the 2026 intake are scheduled to open in January of that year. Candidates will undergo selection procedures over the summer, and those chosen will begin their training in September. Successful applicants are expected to receive a monthly net salary of approximately €2,000, according to details confirmed from previously leaked documents.
Defence officials hope the programme will encourage young Belgians to engage with national service and foster a deeper understanding of the military’s role in protecting the country and supporting international missions.
The initiative also comes at a time when European nations are revisiting their defence strategies amid growing global security challenges. By focusing on voluntary service, Belgium aims to inspire civic responsibility without reinstating compulsory enlistment.
Francken has described the campaign as “a modern approach to youth engagement,” adding that the programme offers “valuable experience, personal growth, and a meaningful contribution to national safety.”
The Belgian Defence Ministry expects the initiative to generate significant interest and strengthen ties between the armed forces and the younger generation, ensuring the sustainability of national defence efforts for years to come.
