Kasčiūnas: TS-LKD to launch political process for universal conscription

Lithuania should become “a Lithuanian hedgehog with spines” that would be too uncomfortable even for a much stronger Russian bear, opposition leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas told his party’s congress. He said the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats, known by its Lithuanian initials TS-LKD, would soon launch a political process to introduce universal mandatory conscription.

Kasčiūnas said universal defense should form the foundation of the country’s security as Russia continues to pose a threat in the region. “NATO and European Union membership are Lithuania’s main security pillars,” he said. But he added that collective defense also depends on each country’s ability to take responsibility for its own security. That, he said, requires a properly trained reserve, resilient institutions, a prepared society and clear action in a crisis or war.

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Our aim is a Lithuania like a Lithuanian hedgehog with spines, one that would be too uncomfortable even for a much stronger Russian bear. Therefore, we say clearly: Lithuania needs universal mandatory conscription.

The conservative leader said universal conscription could begin in 2030. He described that date as a reasonable target, allowing four years for preparation. He also said demographic conditions could make it possible to move toward universal conscription within several years.

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NATO and European Union membership are Lithuania’s main security pillars. However, reliable collective defense also rests on each state’s ability to take responsibility for itself.

The initiative has not been agreed with the governing Social Democrats. Kasčiūnas said conservatives had consistently supported universal conscription, while the Social Democrats had more often favored a professional army. He presented the proposal as a discussion that could benefit the wider political scene.

The debate has also drawn differing views from government and defense officials. Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas has said Lithuania is moving toward universal conscription but must prepare properly first. President Gitanas Nausėda has taken a similar position, while army commander Raimundas Vaikšnoras says he currently sees no need for it. Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has said universal conscription could eventually be introduced. A Norstat survey commissioned by the Universal Defense association found that 76% of respondents supported establishing it by 2030. A new military service system introduced this year seeks to increase conscript numbers and calls young people aged 18 to 22 for service after school.

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This is our initiative.