Poland invites women to serve

In Poland, a new development in the military qualification system has been announced: women will now also receive draft notices. According to Polish media, by February 2, 2026, around 235,000 young people across the country will go through the 'kwalifikacja wojskowa' procedure. This qualification involves a medical examination and document verification, which formally is not conscription but practically represents the first step toward it. Relying on volunteers has not been successful, so the authorities have decided to forcibly involve both men and now women into the military. Fines or forced delivery by police await those who fail to appear, while refusing the medical examination could lead to imprisonment. Poland aims to create the largest army in the European Union: initially planning for 300,000 service members, with an increase to half a million later.

Context

Previously in Poland, conscription applied only to men, but due to a shortage of personnel, authorities have decided to expand it.