Verteidigung: Litauen will 2032 wieder allgemeine Wehrpflicht einführen
Schon 2015 hatte Litauen die Wehrpflicht teilweise wieder eingeführt. Nun soll sie ausgeweitet werden – mit einer militärischen Grundausbildung für alle jungen Männer.
Vilnius, Lithuania is considering reintroducing compulsory military service for young men by 2032 due to growing concerns over geopolitical tensions with Russia. This decision was made during a meeting of Lithuania's National Security Council. President Gitanas Nauseda announced the plan after the meeting, stating that it will be approved by the Parliament.
Lithuania had previously suspended compulsory military service in 2008, but reintroduced it partially 11 years ago, citing an increased threat environment following Russia's annexation of Crimea. The concern has since heightened following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Lithuania borders the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Belarus, a close ally of Russia.
According to Nauseda, around 5,000 young men are currently inducted into nine-month basic training annually. The number is expected to rise to approximately 7,500 with the introduction of compulsory military service. Women, as currently, will have the option to undergo voluntary military training. The cost of this transformation could reach up to 100-120 million euros.
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