Serbia Restores Mandatory Military Service After 16-Year Break
Serbian authorities have officially announced plans to restore mandatory military service in the country. This decision was made after a long break that lasted 16 years. The new rules will apply to men under the age of 30, who will now be required to undergo basic military training.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić supported this initiative, noting that the state needs a strong army to guarantee national security. It is expected that the service will not be very long, but it will become a mandatory stage for young citizens. The government believes that such a step will help strengthen the country's defense capabilities.
As a reminder, Serbia abolished mandatory conscription back in 2011. Since then, the Serbian army has been fully professional, and service in it was exclusively voluntary. However, the security situation in Europe and the Balkans has changed recently, forcing many states to reconsider their defense strategies.
Currently, government officials are working on the final details of the new law. Although the exact duration of service has not yet been officially approved, experts suggest it could last about 75 days. This will allow young people to gain necessary military skills without a long break from their studies or work.
Thus, Serbia joins a number of other European countries that are also considering or already implementing a return to the conscription system. This decision reflects modern challenges and the state's desire to be ready for any changes in the international situation.