Lithuanian lawmakers are exploring ways to encourage more young people from the Lithuanian diaspora to serve in the country’s armed forces. In an effort to better understand their motivations and challenges, Parliament recently hosted several dozen young Lithuanians who returned or arrived from abroad specifically to fulfill their mandatory military service.
Every year, between 50 and 70 young Lithuanians from abroad return to serve in the military. Some speak limited Lithuanian, but many want to contribute to national defense, enrich their personal development or consider a future career in the armed forces.
Among them is Matteo Andriolo, who arrived from Italy and is currently serving in the Grand Duke Kęstutis Infantry Battalion.
“I’ve been serving for a couple of months now, and it’s going well,” Andriolo said. “I’m happy with my decision. In Italy, where military service isn’t mandatory, I never imagined I’d be called up in Lithuania. But once I got the notice and realized it was mandatory, I accepted it. My family supported me - they said to give it a try, maybe I’d like it.”
Defence officials say such inspiring stories are needed to counter persistent myths about military life in Lithuania – particularly among diaspora communities – and to increase recruitment.
In a recent podcast by the Ministry of Defence, military officials discussed the need for strong role models to help connect with the younger generation abroad. One name mentioned: Matas Buzelis, a top Lithuanian-American basketball prospect and a hopeful for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls.
“Matai, if you’re listening to this podcast, call me – I’ll fill out the application for you. I’ll help with every step, just come serve,” said Lt. Col. Deimantas Čyžius, head of military personnel policy at the ministry.
Arūnas Balčiūnas, director of the Military Conscription and Recruitment Service, said the number of returning diaspora youth remains steady, but officials hope to grow it through outreach to Lithuanian communities abroad.
"We visit our communities and keep working on this issue,” Balčiūnas said.
Many abroad, however, are hesitant to serve due to university commitments, family pressure, or lingering misconceptions about military service – such as beliefs that the environment is similar to the Soviet-era army. Lawmakers say the disconnect between Lithuania and its diaspora is a significant obstacle.
“One major issue is that we still don’t communicate widely enough that the army has changed,” said Dalia Asanavičiūtė, vice chair of the Seimas and World Lithuanian Community Commission. “The mandatory service period is shorter now.”
Starting next year, conditions for conscripts will become more flexible. Young people will be able to serve for shorter periods, those with health issues will have more appropriate placement options, and individuals with degrees or specialised training will be assigned to roles matching their skills.
“This is a joint effort – from Lithuanian institutions, from our communities abroad, from embassies and official representatives,” said Deputy Defence Minister Karolis Aleksa. “We need to work together to encourage and dispel fear.”
Of the roughly 4,000 new conscripts each year, only about 100 are serving under the mandatory requirement. Most are volunteers or individuals who exercise their right to choose when to serve. Defence officials say the ideal scenario is for young people to complete their military service between the ages of 18 and 19, right after graduating from school.
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