In Spain, two decades after the abolition of compulsory military service, debates are reigniting over its possible return. With global instability on the rise and new security challenges emerging, national defense is becoming an increasingly urgent topic. While some European countries have already introduced various forms of military training for civilians, Spanish society and politicians remain divided: does the country need a new version of the ‘mili’?
In recent months, the question of how Spain should respond to modern threats has become more prominent in public discourse. Some argue that the country needs to modernize its army and strengthen its defense capabilities, while others propose alternative forms of service not tied to military training. There is even discussion around the idea of introducing mandatory civil service, giving young people a way to contribute to society without taking up arms.
While in some European countries, such as Germany and France, the idea of reinstating military service is gaining support, similar initiatives have not found popularity in Spain or Italy. Polls show that most Spaniards are not ready to endorse compulsory service, and political parties tend to avoid this topic for fear of losing votes.
Experts note that today’s challenges demand new approaches to national security. Instead of traditional military service, hybrid models are being proposed, combining elements of both military and civil training. However, the question of what Spain’s defense system should actually look like remains open. The debate continues not only among specialists but also within society, where opinions on this issue often diverge.
While some argue for strengthening the armed forces, others believe that current threats require not only military, but also social cohesion. In the coming months, the discussion about the future of the country’s defense is likely to intensify, as the situation in Europe and the world is changing rapidly, and Spain is searching for its own path between tradition and new realities.
