Lithuania is moving towards universal military conscription, although further preparations are needed before it can be introduced, Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas told reporters on Wednesday.
“We need infrastructure, instructors, military capacity and sufficient quantities of weaponry to provide for the people we call up and want to train qualitatively,” Kaunas said.
He added that the number of conscripts was increasing each year and that the armed forces were gradually expanding their ability to train larger numbers of recruits.
According to the minister, Lithuania is progressing “at a good pace” by strengthening military structures, including commandant’s offices, the Riflemen’s Union and the armed forces, in an effort to improve overall societal readiness.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said universal conscription remained a longer-term objective rather than an immediate priority.
“Undoubtedly, we will reach it,” she said. “But today, given the changing geopolitical situation and approaching threats, the priority is to complete basic tasks and then move forward step by step.”
Lithuania has not yet introduced universal conscription. Mandatory military service currently lasts nine months, although shorter service options of three, six and nine months are also available in some cases.
At present, young men aged between 18 and 22 are subject to compulsory call-up, with recruitment numbers increasing annually. Some politicians have described this as a gradual move towards universal national service.
Lithuania is seeking to establish a full infantry division by 2030 and prepare infrastructure for the permanent deployment of a German brigade within the next three years.
President Gitanas Nausėda has previously said that universal conscription in Lithuania may only be a matter of time.
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