Lithuania plans universal military conscription from 2032

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda revealed plans Thursday for introducing universal military conscription in 2032, according to public broadcaster LRT.

The move will increase the number of young people required to serve in the military amid growing security concerns, Nauseda told reporters.

The annual number of young people called up for military service is expected to rise from over 5,000 currently to around 7,500 under the universal conscription system, taking into account demographic trends and medical exemptions, the president noted.

Nauseda reportedly said that setting the target for 2032 would allow Lithuania sufficient time to expand conscript accommodation facilities and train the required number of instructors.

He added that women would remain eligible to serve in the armed forces on a voluntary basis.

Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius said the government had initially sought to introduce universal conscription sooner but agreed to delay the transition until 2032 following recommendations from the military.

"You could say there is political will, but at the same time, there is the question of the military’s readiness. The military has clearly stated that they would be ready by 2032,” Sinkevicius told reporters after a meeting of the State Defense Council.

He added that preparations would involve training around 300 instructors and constructing adequate accommodation facilities for conscripts.