European soldiers continue to leave troops "just when NATO needs them," Politico writes.
“It is no longer so much about recruiting new soldiers as it is about convincing existing troops not to leave,” the article says.
In France, military personnel remain in the army an average of a year less than before. The UK has an annual manpower shortfall of 1,100 troops, the equivalent of two infantry battalions.
People are deterred by chronic overtime, months away from home, and missed recovery periods.
Many EU countries are preparing to increase military salaries and pensions, introduce various other bonuses, including the opportunity for a spouse to change jobs so that the family stays together.
Western countries want to build up their armies, and some even reintroduce conscription, amid claims of a threat of war between NATO and Russia.
