Latvia returns to compulsory military service

Latvia wants to restore the order of general military service obligation in the next five years. This was stated by the minister of defense of the country, Artis Pabriks.

"The current system of service in the Latvian Armed Forces system does not justify itself. That is why in the next five years the service of protection of the country should appear. He will initially be voluntary, then mandatory,” the minister said.

The Latvian Ministry of defense will begin military service on a voluntary basis, starting from 1 January 2023. From 2028-th year it is planned to switch to this fully mandatory system.

In 2006-th year in the country, the mandatory call procedure was abolished.