Spain’s defence minister Margarita Robles ruled out reintroducing conscription, saying Spain will retain a professional military, as Germany pursues a draft law that could allow compulsory service under certain conditions.

Speaking in Berlin alongside Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius, Robles said the central government would not bring back mandatory military service, contrasting Spain’s stance with plans by Germany’s Friedrich Merz.

She told reporters that each country has its own model and characterised Spain’s armed forces as professional and committed, adding that the government backs the system currently in place.

Amid concerns about Russia in Europe, the German government has given the green light to a draft law that, if approved by parliament, would create voluntary military service that could become compulsory in specific circumstances. The proposal is intended to strengthen military personnel reserves in peacetime and is awaiting final approval by the Bundestag.

Robles has previously stated her opposition to reviving conscription, a position she reiterated as countries including Latvia and Lithuania reconsider compulsory service in the context of the war in Ukraine.

Source: La Vanguardia.