Lithuania plans to introduce universal military conscription for men ages 18–22 starting in 2032

Lithuania's State Defense Council has announced plans to implement universal military conscription for men aged 18–22 starting in 2032, according to President Gitanas Nausėda. This new system will replace the current selective draft, which currently sees about 5,000 youths conscripted annually. Under the new policy, the annual intake would increase to around 7,500 young men, determined by demographic trends and military fitness.

The decision to introduce conscription in 2032 allows the military to prepare for the larger workforce. Lithuania previously abolished compulsory service in 2008 and reintroduced it in 2015 due to heightened concerns over security threats, particularly following Russia's annexation of Crimea. The service commitment is currently nine months for all conscripts or three months for those with specialized military qualifications.

The Baltic states, including Lithuania, remain vigilant about Russian invasion threats, a concern that dates back to the Soviet era when they failed to prevent Stalin's forces from advancing.