Lithuania Considers Reintroducing Military Conscription

Lithuania`s President Dalia Grybauskaite speaks during a panel session on the first day of the 45th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland, 21 January 2015. Photo: EPA

Lithuania considers reintroducing military conscription in view of the changed geopolitical situation.

This was discussed at a meeting of the State Defence Council, which brings together Lithuania's President, Prime Minister, Parliament Speaker, Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence.

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite justified this move with the new geopolitical circumstances, Lithuanian National Radio and Television reports.

Compulsory military service was abolished in Lithuania in 2008, when the country opted for a fully professional army.

However the number of men and women, who chose to serve in the army, was much lower than expected.

Under the proposal, compulsory military service will be reintroduced for five years and will be applicable to men aged between 19 and 26 years.

Lithuania plans to call between 3000 and 3500 men each year, who will fill up army units and ensure the country is better prepared against possible aggression.

There will be exemptions for students, single fathers, men with health issues and those who are no longer eligible for military service.

In case the proposal is adopted by the Lithuanian Parliament, the first call to conscripts could be issued as early as September.

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