In Lithuania, returning compulsory military service

Lithuanian authorities plan to renew the call-up for military service, said President Dalia Grybauskaite.

“It is necessary to temporarily renew compulsory military service for a period of five years,” she told reporters.

The National Defense Council proposes that approximately 9 thousand young people be called up for exercises lasting 3,5 months each year.

These plans are associated with an increased threat from Russia, the Lithuanian authorities say.

Lithuania refused a military conscription in 2008.