Belgium: Belgium has filled all 500 places for the first intake of its new voluntary military service program, launched in response to growing security concerns, Defense Minister Theo Francken announced Monday. The one-year voluntary service program will see 500 young adults begin training with the Belgian Army, Air Force, and Navy in the coming months, the Belga news agency reported.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Defense Ministry noted that 283 of the volunteers are Dutch-speaking and 217 are French-speaking, with 80 being women. This means women account for 16% of the entire contingent. Francken stated that the initiative aims to introduce young people to the armed forces while helping them develop discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and other transferable skills.

In addition to basic military training, participants will gain practical experience in operational units over the course of the year-long program. The minister also mentioned that volunteers who wish to continue serving after completing the program may apply to join the Belgian armed forces as professional soldiers or reservists.