Kasčiūnas: TS-LKD to launch political process for universal compulsory military service

Lithuania’s opposition conservative party says it will soon start the political process for universal compulsory military service. Laurynas Kasčiūnas, leader of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats, made the pledge at the party’s congress on Saturday.

“Our aim is Lithuania as a thorny Lithuanian hedgehog, too uncomfortable even for a much stronger Russian bear. Therefore, we say clearly: Lithuania needs universal compulsory military service. TS-LKD will soon initiate the political process for its introduction,” Kasčiūnas told party members.

He said Russia’s continuing threat to the region made total defense the basis for reliable national security. NATO and European Union membership remain Lithuania’s main security pillars, he said, but collective defense also depends on each country’s ability to take responsibility for itself. Kasčiūnas called for a properly trained reserve, resilient institutions, a prepared society and clear action in a crisis or war.

“

Our aim is Lithuania as a thorny Lithuanian hedgehog, too uncomfortable even for a much stronger Russian bear. Therefore, we say clearly: Lithuania needs universal compulsory military service. TS-LKD will soon initiate the political process for its introduction.

The proposal comes amid renewed debate over universal conscription. Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas has said Lithuania is already moving in that direction, while stressing that the country must first prepare properly. President Gitanas Nausėda has taken a similar position. Army Commander Raimundas Vaikšnoras, however, said he currently sees no need for universal conscription. Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius told ELTA that it could eventually be introduced.

A representative survey commissioned by the Universal Defense association and conducted by Norstat in August found that 76% of respondents would support establishing universal conscription by 2030. A new system for compulsory initial military service took effect this year, calling young people to service immediately after school and changing the call-up age from 18 to 23 to 18 to 22.

“

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