It is a known fact that Europe is rearming itself — with or without the US’ support — against the backdrop of a five-year-old war at its Eastern border. With a budget of up to €150 billion divided into loans, SAFE (Security Action for Europe) is the financial instrument expected to help Member States with “urgent and large-scale procurement efforts” — a band-aid for a gaping wound.
The military conscription situation in Ukraine is starting to resemble a haemorrhaging wound as well. This month, the EU has announced that it will unveil new regulations which will bar both men and women who have received orders of mobilization from taking refuge in another state of the bloc. Nevertheless, the opposition to conscription is still growing in Ukraine: two weeks ago, a clash between hundreds of people and military recruitment and law enforcement personnel left one police officer injured and one military vehicle damaged.
Moreover, the phenomenon of busification is being more and more documented: mobile patrols that allegedly grab men off the streets and bundle them into buses. At least 25 deaths have been documented as being linked to the actions of the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers (TCCs) in Ukraine. On the other side of the conflict, Russia is struggling with recruiting new contract soldiers, with local enlistment offices operating continuously as of January.
More European countries are looking into building their conventional armies through military service programs, with the newest example being Germany. Young people are already opting out of service on moral or religious grounds. How should people position themselves in regards to military service today? Share your perspective on Global Risk Forum 454 & 455.
- Global Risk Forum 454
- Thursday, 23rd July at 12:00 EDT / 17:00 BST
- REGISTRATION >>
- Global Risk Forum 455
- Friday, 24th July at 10:00 BST
- REGISTRATION >>
