Belgian Land Forces Commander Jean-Pol Baugnee said that mandatory military service could be reintroduced depending on current security conditions.
According to reports in the national media, Baugnee stated that this option cannot be completely ruled out and that such a step could be considered depending on the level of the security threat.
The Land Forces Commander said that the army must be “ready not only to fight, but also to prevent conflicts.”
Baugnee also noted that the younger generation shows a different approach in terms of education and discipline compared to previous generations.
Suspended in the 1990s
Mandatory military service in Belgium was suspended in the 1990s.
Although it was not fully abolished by law, it has not been implemented in practice since 1995.
This year, however, a voluntary military service program was launched. Under this program, young people aged 18–25 can apply for one year of full-time reserve service. The program offers the opportunity to participate voluntarily in military training and reserve duties.
No official draft law to reintroduce mandatory military service has yet been submitted.
The final decision on the issue will depend on the assessments of the Belgian government and parliament.
Sparked Backlash in Germany
In Germany, a military service reform approved by parliament that requires 18-year-old men to fill out a questionnaire has sparked strong reactions among young people.
In protests held in around 90 cities last December, tens of thousands of students boycotted classes, saying that mandatory service should not be imposed on anyone.