The new bill abandoned the idea of adding current students to the draft lists and decided to draft young people immediately after graduation.
The Lithuanian Parliament has supported a package of laws on military service reform. Now young Lithuanians will be required to do military service immediately after finishing school.
This is reported by Delfi.
The new reform also states that citizens must undergo a medical examination at the age of 17 years. The bill was supported by 85 parliamentarians, three voted “against”, and 14 “abstained”.
Previously, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense prepared a proposal providing for alternative service options for university students. However, this idea was not supported by the educational community and some youth organizations in Lithuania.
They will receive notice of conscription at the age of 17, when they pass the medical examination.
After conscription, young people will not be able to enter higher education institutions until they complete military service.
Young men will undergo a medical examination in 2025, and from 2026, when the conscription reform comes into force, they will be added to the draft lists. Those who will not be drafted into the army due to health problems will be able to enter higher education institutions.
“We have learned the lesson that the principle of universal defense must begin with the expansion of our armed forces and the transition to universal conscription. The lessons of Ukraine clearly show us that the entire country must fight against a much larger enemy, otherwise it will be impossible to stand. I am glad that a truly balanced reform was submitted to the Sejm,” said Conservative MP Paulius Saudargas.
Recall that the day before, Lithuanian journalist and volunteer Mindaugas Jonusas decided to join the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a paramedic. It was after the death of the paramedic of the volunteer battalion “Hospitaliers” Irina Tsybukh with the call sign “Chek” that he made such a decision.
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