Brussels, Belgium – Newly-appointed Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) has announced plans to reintroduce a form of military service in Belgium, targeting young adults aged between 18 and 25.
The initiative, which was outlined in an interview with RTL, will begin with an invitation campaign in November 2025, where 120,000 young Belgians will receive letters encouraging them to enlist in voluntary service.
The proposal is part of the ‘Arizona’ coalition’s government agreement, published on 31 January, and follows a model similar to that already implemented in France.
The initiative aims to bolster Belgium’s military reserves while offering young people an opportunity to acquire specialist training and skills. Recruits will be offered a salary of approximately €2,000 per month and will serve as reservists in the Belgian Army.
Francken, a member of the nationalist New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), has emphasized that the programme seeks to increase the army’s personnel numbers while fostering greater public awareness of the evolving geopolitical landscape.
“This project aims to increase the size of the Belgian Army and to raise awareness among the population about current geopolitical changes,” Francken stated during his interview.
The voluntary military service programme will officially commence with selection tests in April or May 2026, and the first wave of recruits is expected to begin their training in September 2026.
Initially, the programme will be limited to 500 recruits, but the Defence Minister has indicated that this number could increase depending on demand.
Belgium, which abolished mandatory military service in 1994, has faced challenges in maintaining a robust military force. The new initiative is seen as an effort to address declining recruitment numbers and strengthen the country’s defense capabilities amid growing security concerns in Europe.
While the programme remains voluntary, its implementation reflects a broader European trend of reinforcing military preparedness in response to international conflicts and shifting global alliances.
Countries such as Sweden and Lithuania have recently reinstated mandatory military service due to rising security threats, while France has implemented a similar voluntary scheme to encourage youth participation in national defence.
The announcement has already sparked debate among political parties and the public. Supporters argue that the initiative provides young people with valuable skills, discipline, and career opportunities while strengthening national security.
Critics, however, raise concerns over potential financial burdens on the government and question the effectiveness of voluntary enlistment in addressing long-term military shortages.
As Belgium moves forward with the implementation of voluntary military service, the success of the programme will likely depend on public reception and the willingness of young Belgians to participate. With geopolitical tensions persisting in Europe, the government’s efforts to reinforce its military capabilities could mark a significant shift in the country’s defence strategy.
For now, all eyes are on the recruitment drive set to launch in November 2025, which will test whether Belgium’s youth are willing to step forward in service of their nation.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
