Nine-Month Military Service Term for Greek Conscripts Who Report Without Deferment

Greek conscripts called up for service in the 2026 C' ESSO, scheduled from late August to early September 2026, are eligible for a nine-month military service term if they do not seek deferment for studies. This provision is introduced under the new military conscription framework, Law 5265/2026.

The new regulation, detailed in Article 246 of the law, is being implemented for the first time and targets individuals born between January 1 and May 15, 2008. It serves as an incentive for completing military obligations at a younger age. Eligible conscripts can receive a definitive discharge after completing nine months of actual service, provided they enlist with their initial call-up notice and fulfill their obligation without any deferment.

For those wishing to pursue higher education, the new framework also outlines changes. Conscripts in the 2026 C' ESSO who opt to attend a higher education institution can request a deferment as prospective students, as per Article 188 of Law 5265/2026. A significant update allows applicants to request deferment without needing to be officially enrolled in a school yet; submitting the required documentation proving eligibility for the admission or enrollment process is sufficient.