With their recent electoral successes in Sweden and Germany, European Pirate Parties are becoming more visible on the political scene in their respective countries. They are hoping to present a joint list at the next European elections. But how many are they?
The German minister of Defence wants to get rid of conscription, following suit with the many European countries, the UK and France included, that have put an end to military service. Yet 18 countries in Europe still draft their citizens; in Germany a majority of young conscripts prefer to do a civil service.