Lithuania is gradually moving towards the introduction of universal conscription, the country's authorities stated. In Vilnius, it is believed that the army must prepare for new threats, but additional resources and infrastructure are necessary for a full transition.
Lithuania is increasingly preparing to transition to a system of universal military conscription.
This was stated on Wednesday by Defense Minister Robertas Kaušas.
According to him, the country is already moving in this direction, but a full transition requires serious preparation — from building infrastructure to increasing the number of instructors and weapons stockpiles. The minister noted that the Lithuanian army is capable of training more and more conscripts each year.
“We are moving towards universal conscription at a good pace, maintaining quality and responding to new threats,” said Kaušas.
He stated that not only the army but also the commandant’s offices and the Riflemen’s Union are involved in preparing the population.
In recent years, Lithuanian authorities have increasingly spoken about the need to prepare not only the military but also society as a whole for possible crises. Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė emphasized that the issue of universal conscription will still require political discussions. She acknowledged that Lithuania will likely come to such a system over time, but currently, the authorities are focused on addressing priority security tasks.
At the moment, universal conscription is not officially implemented in the country. Currently, mandatory military service in Lithuania lasts nine months, but recently shorter service options of three or six months have also appeared.
At the same time, authorities are expanding the pool of conscripts. Graduates of schools aged 18 to 22 are increasingly being recruited for service, and the number of young people conscripted annually is gradually increasing.
Many Lithuanian politicians already refer to this as a de facto preparation for universal conscription.
The topic of strengthening the army in the Baltic states has become particularly relevant since the onset of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.
Lithuania is actively enhancing its defense capabilities, including the establishment of its own infantry division by 2030 and preparing for the deployment of a German brigade.
President Gitanas Nausėda previously stated that in forming a national division, the transition to universal conscription is only a matter of time.
For the Baltic states, the issue of military training for the population is gradually transforming from a theoretical discussion into a part of a long-term security strategy.
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