The bill foresees certain annual recruitment targets for the new voluntary scheme: rising from 20,000 in 2026 to 38,000 in 2030.

If these numbers are not achieved, the government could opt instead to reinstate conscription, subject to parliamentary approval, according to the latest draft of the bill.

Already the current bill contains some mandatory elements, with all young men required to fill an online questionnaire regarding their willingness and abilities for military service after turning 18, to gain a better overview of the potentially available personnel.