NordicPassportUnion public domain
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, dramatically altered the security landscape of Europe. In particular, the Nordic countries—located geographically close to Russia—have begun reinstating or strengthening conscription systems once downsized or abolished after the Cold War. Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark are now reassessing national defense strategies, with renewed emphasis on conscription as a tool for deterrence and unity.
This shift also aligns with deeper cooperation with NATO and aims to raise national awareness of collective defense. Below, we explore each country’s current stance on conscription and the strategic motivations behind these reforms.
【Finland: Traditional Conscription and NATO Membership】
Finnish Army Leopard 2 tank – Photo: wiki c Vestman
Finland shares a 1,300-kilometer border with Russia and has a long history of tense relations with its eastern neighbor, dating back to the Soviet invasion during the Winter War in World War II. Since then, Finland has maintained a conscription system grounded in the principle of universal national defense. All men aged 18 and older are required to serve 7 to 11 months in the military.
Women may volunteer, though participation rates remain low. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Finland abandoned its traditional policy of military neutrality. It applied to join NATO alongside Sweden in May 2022 and officially became a member in April 2023.
A public opinion poll showed that NATO support jumped from 53% in February 2022 to 62% in March, reflecting rising national concern. Finland’s conscription system ensures a mobilization potential of around 280,000 troops, making it one of the strongest forces in Europe. Post-invasion, Finland is focused on enhancing training quality and improving the efficiency of its existing conscription model.
【Sweden: Reintroducing Conscription with Gender Equality】
Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) – Photo: wiki c Ankara
Sweden abolished conscription in 2010 and shifted to a voluntary system. However, after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Sweden reassessed its security posture. In 2017, it reinstated conscription for both men and women aged 18 and over.
About 8,000 individuals are drafted annually. Sweden adopts the “Scandinavian model,” where military aptitude and personal choice are prioritized. Application forms ask questions like “Do you think you’re suited for military service?” to reduce the sense of coercion.
In May 2022, Sweden applied to join NATO and became an official member in March 2024. In response to increased Russian naval activity in the Baltic Sea, Sweden redeployed landing forces to Gothenburg, reinforcing its coastal defense.
Public opposition to conscription remains low, and the reform enjoys widespread support.
【Norway: A Pioneer in Gender-Neutral Conscription】
Norwegian soldiers during training – Photo: wiki c Fredrik Ringnes/Hæren
In 2015, Norway became the first country in Europe to introduce gender-neutral conscription. Over 10,000 individuals undergo selection testing annually, with about 15% entering service under a voluntary but selective system.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Norway announced plans in April 2024 to increase the number of conscripts. Along its shared border with Russia, the sight of ski-equipped troops patrolling the snow-laden terrain has become a symbolic image of national defense.
As a NATO member, Norway continues to expand its role within the alliance and is actively increasing its defense budget.
【Why Is Conscription Strengthening in the Nordics?】
NATO member states – Photo: wiki c Janitoalevic, Patrick Neil
Several key factors explain the recent revival of conscription in Nordic countries:
The Reality of Military Threats
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its military exercises in the Baltic and Arctic regions have heightened Nordic perceptions of direct threats.
Deeper NATO Integration
The accession of Finland and Sweden marks a major shift toward a collective defense posture, embedding Nordic countries within NATO’s mutual defense framework.
Modern Warfare Demands
There’s a growing recognition that highly specialized volunteer forces alone may not be sufficient in an age of hybrid and high-tech warfare.
Still, Nordic governments remain sensitive to rising youth opposition and human rights concerns. Thus, conscription systems tend to emphasize flexibility and voluntarism.
【Challenges and Future Outlook】
The revival and expansion of conscription have improved troop readiness but introduced new complications. In Sweden and Norway, selective recruitment based on voluntary participation aims to respect individual freedoms, though actual enlistment rates remain limited.
Denmark has announced that starting in 2026, women aged 18 and above will also be subject to conscription. This marks a move toward gender equality, but the sudden policy shift has sparked concerns among the public over implementation burdens and national consensus.
Overall, Nordic countries are reframing conscription not merely as a means of boosting military numbers, but as a tool for fostering civic responsibility and national unity. As seen in Ukraine’s recent struggle with draft evasion and fairness concerns, Nordic models will need to balance transparency, equity, and effectiveness.
References:
Finnish Defence Forces, Official Website
Swedish Armed Forces, Official Website
NATO Press Releases (2022–2024)
Norwegian Ministry of Defence
comment