Lithuanian Defence Minister allows for universal conscription for men from 2030

Minister allows for universal conscription from 2030

Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas has allowed for the introduction of universal military conscription for men from 2030, LRT reports. “We will voice our opinion. I believe it is possible. There are certain risks that we will identify,” he said. Gazeta.Ru writes about his remarks.

Moving toward universal conscription through demographics

Kaunas explained that Lithuania is moving toward universal military conscription gradually, increasing the number of conscripts. At the same time, according to him, the number of people liable for conscription is shrinking due to the demographic situation and declining birth rates. “The birth rate is falling, and the number of young citizens who must serve in the military is also decreasing, so we are naturally moving toward universal conscription service, even without setting such a specific goal,” the minister said. Thus, in his view, universal conscription may become a consequence of demographic changes rather than a separate political decision.

Context of the debate in Europe

Earlier, the head of the European Defence Agency (EDA) General André Denker saidthat European Union countries may once again need compulsory military service. According to him, the need to introduce it depends on which scenario events around Europe will follow in the near future. Gazeta.Ru also notes that it was previously acknowledged in Europethat EU countries will soon have to introduce universal conscription. Kaunas’s statement, however, remains a minister’s assessment rather than an adopted decision: the specific risks he mentioned are yet to be identified.