Lithuania will introduce general conscription from 2032, pending parliament approval

Decision on a 2032 start

The State Defence Council, chaired by President Gitanas Nauseda, agreed on Thursday, 29 October, that Lithuania will introduce general conscription from 2032. The meeting took place in Vilnius, and parliament still has to approve the plan before it takes effect. Under the current partial system, the Military Service and Recruitment Service picked eligible men by computer draw each January. Nauseda linked the 2032 date to preparations, including accommodation for a larger intake and the training of instructors. He said the council wanted to assess the army's capabilities comprehensively before deciding.

“We have decided that general conscription will be introduced from 2032.”

Who would be called up

Nauseda said that more than 5,000 young men are currently called up each year for a nine-month basic training course. Under general conscription that number would rise to about 7,500. He added that the figure could be higher, but some young people are medically unfit for service. Women would keep the option of volunteering for military training, as they do now. Recruits would also earn qualifications such as drone operation and support the State Border Guard Service and fire services. The cost of the switch could run to 100 to 120 million euros.

Background and the threat from Russia

Lithuania abolished conscription in 2008 and reintroduced partial conscription in 2015, citing the worsening threat after Russia annexed Crimea. Under those 2015 rules, the army consisted of career soldiers and conscripted men aged 18 to 22, who could be called for a mandatory nine-month service. Concern grew further with Russia's war against Ukraine. Lithuania borders the Russian Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad as well as Belarus, Russia's ally. The milestones are set out in the chart below.

Reserves and the defence model

Nauseda said Lithuania currently has about 50,000 reservists and stressed the quality of their preparation.

“The quality of reservists' preparation is no less important, and in some cases perhaps even more important than training conscripts.”

The active reserve is set to grow to 74,000 soldiers by 2040. LRT TV reported that Lithuania plans a comprehensive model of state defence by 2030, linking national decisions with municipalities, organisations, businesses and citizens. The aim is to keep the country functioning during a crisis or war. Nauseda also said reservist refresher training must be balanced with conscript training so both run at an adequate level. Parliament must still approve the plan, and the national draw will be scrapped when full conscription begins in 2032.