Even without the introduction of universal military service after 6-8 years, all young people suitable for the service can be called up due to demographic changes alone, says the Minister of National Defense Arvydas Anušauskas.

“We are moving towards a model of universal military service, when men and young people are invited to serve everyone who can perform due to postponement of service, because there are postponements for students, this must, of course, remain,” A. Anušauskas said during a press conference on Thursday. .

According to the minister, some young people of conscription age are unable to perform military service due to problems, and the demographic situation shows that after 6-8 years, even universal military service will not be introduced “so much we will call every young person who serves”.

The Ministry of National Defense (MoD) is presenting a feasibility study on universal conscription to the public on Thursday. It stipulates that a universal conscription for young people after graduation could be introduced in a year or eight years, it will cost hundreds of millions of euros.

The Minister of National Defense emphasizes that the study is an assessment of all possibilities, not changes, the order of convocation now planned does not change.

“Research or study is not a political decision on universal conscription, it is not a project, it is not a law. A study that combines the circumstances of the survey itself, ”said A. Anušauskas.

The study estimates that the initial investment alone would cost over $ 0.4 billion in the case of universal boys. EUR 1.5 billion if girls were also called in. EUR 80-220 million annually. euros.

It is considered that up to 6.1 thousand people could be called each year. boys, with girls – almost 12 thousand. young people.

A. Anušauskas notes that the compulsory conscription of women is supported by a small part of the society, but as much as possible can be assessed theoretically.

“Perhaps due to some circumstances, such as the recruitment of women into the army, there is no public consensus. Our survey shows that only 14% currently agree. population, but in the study we greatly value all the costs, how much it would cost, ”said the Minister.

A partial conscription was returned to the Lithuanian Armed Forces in 2015 in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

At present, a little more than 3.8 thousand people are called up for the army every year. 18-23 year old boys and young people under 26 who have postponed their studies.