Status: 05.04.2023 17:13
Because of the Russian war against Ukraine, Latvia is gradually reintroducing military service. From 2024 it should become mandatory. Defense Minister Murniece said it was the “response to the new security situation” in the region.
Latvia will reintroduce military service in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The parliament of the EU and NATO country passed the necessary changes in the law. In line with this, military service is to be gradually reintroduced from mid-2023 – initially on a voluntary basis, then from next year on a mandatory basis.
Latvia borders Russia and its ally Belarus. In 2007, it abolished conscription. The Baltic state converted its armed forces into a professional army supported by a volunteer army.
“Since Russia’s brutal large-scale attack on Ukraine, we live in a new geopolitical reality,” said Defense Minister Inara Murniece. The reintroduction of military service is “Latvia’s response to the new security situation in our region”. Because we know “from Ukraine’s experience that without a morally stable and prepared society it is not possible to face an aggressor”.
Alternative civilian service possible
In the future, men between 18 and 27 years old will be called up. Women can voluntarily complete eleven-month military training.
Alternatively, Latvians who refuse military service due to religious or other personal beliefs may undertake alternative civil service with an agency of the Ministry of Defence.