A rising number of European Union countries are considering new steps to expand their military capabilities and prepare for armed conflict. Following declarations from Germany and France, Italy is now joining the debate, considering the resumption of voluntary military service to improve its mobilization capacity. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has stated his intention to file a measure in Parliament to reinstate voluntary military service. Crosetto noted that the Italian proposal intends to establish an auxiliary reserve of around 10,000 men who may be called upon when needed and trained through voluntary conscription. This concept is based on models being developed in Germany and France, which are non-mandatory systems meant to rapidly grow the armed forces mobilization base. The Berlin administration plans to boost the Bundeswehr's total size to 460,000 people by 2035, including 260,000 reservists. Beginning next year, 18-year-olds will be handed a required questionnaire to examine their availability, abilities, and suitability. Those that accept will get a monthly salary of around €2,000 net. In France, Emmanuel Macron has announced the return of voluntary military service, envisioned as a ten-month program with an 800-euro monthly stipend for 18- and 19-year-olds.