Lithuania Plans to Introduce Universal Military Conscription by 2032

Reform.news Editorial Team · 29 October 2026, 22:20

https://reform.news/en/lithuania-plans-to-introduce-universal-military-conscription-by-2032/

Lithuania plans to fully transition to universal conscription of young men for compulsory initial military service in 2032. The decision was made by the State Defence Council at a meeting chaired by President Gitanas Nausėda on October 29.

According to a statement from the president’s press service, the timeline takes into account the army’s capabilities, the need to build infrastructure and train additional instructors, as well as financial resources and current priorities.

Nausėda said universal conscription should be viewed not so much as a way to increase the size of the army as an opportunity to prepare as many citizens as possible for national defence.

“We must all be prepared. This is necessary not only for defence but, most importantly, for effective deterrence,” the president stressed.

The Ministry of National Defence and the Lithuanian Armed Forces are currently working to steadily expand the scope of compulsory initial military service.

The council meeting also addressed the security situation, the development of an integrated air defence system, adjustments to the warning system for air attack threats, and cooperation with Ukraine’s defence industry.

During the meeting, officials noted that the nature of the threats remained unchanged.

“Russia’s aggressive actions are a reality we face constantly, so we must be prepared for any attacks or provocations by the Kremlin regime,” Nausėda said.

According to the council’s assessment, the likelihood of a conventional military attack on Lithuania over the next two years remains very low. However, the risks over a three-to-five-year horizon are considered serious. The country’s main defence priorities include establishing a national division by 2030 and strengthening the protection of the state border.