Belgium’s government has launched an unprecedented outreach campaign to its youth, sending letters to every 17-year-old in the country encouraging them to consider a year of voluntary military service once they turn 18.

The initiative was announced by Defense Minister Theo Francken.

Francken introduced the proposal earlier this year as a response to long-standing personnel shortages and what he calls the need to bolster Belgium’s reserve forces.

Parliament approved the plan last month, authorizing the Ministry of Defense to send personalized letters directly to minors.

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In a post on X, along with photos of boxes filled with envelopes, Francken wrote:

“149,000 letters were sent out yesterday.

“All 17-year-olds in the country are being encouraged to learn about Defense in general and the voluntary military service year in particular. Let’s go!”

149.000 brieven gingen gisteren op de post. Alle 17-jarigen van het land worden warm gemaakt voor Defensie in het algemeen en voor het vrijwillige militaire dienstjaar in het bijzonder.

Let’s go! @BelgiumDefence pic.twitter.com/UaStbvIHuC

— Theo Francken (@FranckenTheo) November 8, 2025

While the program is technically optional, critics say the scale and tone of the initiative suggest Belgium may be preparing the public for a future return to mandatory service.

Francken denied the accusation, insisting that “the army can’t handle that logistically.”

Belgium, like many Western nations, is dramatically expanding its uniformed ranks.

According to the Brussels Times, the country aims to reach 34,500 active personnel, 12,800 reservists, and 8,500 civilian staff over the next decade.

Recruitment targets for 2026 include more than 4,800 new roles across the military, reserves, and support services.

Volunteer applicants aged 18–25 will initially be offered 500 reservist positions at a net monthly salary of €2,000.

A Wider European Trend

Belgium’s move mirrors similar actions across the European Union (EU).

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Across the EU, governments are pushing young people toward military roles amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

The Netherlands now sends teenagers questionnaires to gauge interest in defense careers and already operates a voluntary service year.

Sweden brought back conscription in 2017.

Germany is debating a lottery-based requirement for 18-year-old males if voluntary recruitment falls short.

These efforts align with Brussels’ broader push for EU-wide defense expansion, frequently framed as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression.

Moscow rejects that narrative entirely, arguing that Western leaders are stoking fear to distract from internal political problems.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the EU’s militarization is spiraling due to what he called “Russophobic frenzy,” warning the bloc is drifting toward a “Fourth Reich.”

As Europe accelerates its recruitment and defense integration policies, Belgium’s mass mailing campaign marks one of the clearest signs yet that the continent is preparing the next generation for a dramatically more militarized future.

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