Serbia to reintroduce compulsory military service

Serbia's government announced on September 20 that it would reinstate compulsory military service, which was abolished 14 years ago.

President Aleksandar Vucic praised this decision as a crucial step toward enhancing the country’s defence readiness, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The government plans to form a working group to initiate the process.

Under the new plan, Serbian men will be required to complete 60 days of training followed by 15 days of exercises, while service will remain voluntary for women.

Some military experts have expressed concerns about the proposal, arguing that the financial implications could be significant and that such a short duration of service may have minimal impact on the nation's defence capabilities. Serbia's armed forces transitioned to a fully professional military in 2011 but still face challenges related to low pay and inadequate equipment.

As a candidate for European Union membership, Serbia has maintained a system of voluntary service alongside reserve units. “It is not our intention to attack anyone, but we want to deter those who threaten us,” Vucic stated after signing the agreement to reinstate conscription last week.

This move aligns with a similar decision made by neighbouring NATO member Croatia, which announced earlier this month that it would reintroduce compulsory conscription starting January 1, 2025, after suspending it in 2008.

Serbia has maintained a stance of military neutrality while joining NATO's Partnership for Peace program in 2006 and signing an Individual Partnership Action Plan in 2015, marking the highest level of cooperation for non-NATO aspirants.

Additionally, Serbia recently signed a significant agreement with France’s Dassault Aviation for the purchase of 12 new Rafale fighter jets, signalling a shift away from reliance on Russia, its traditional ally and arms supplier. Croatia has also purchased 12 Rafale jets, with six already delivered.

The two neighbouring countries, which have had strained relations since the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, are concurrently enhancing their military capabilities with modern helicopters and other weaponry, a development some experts interpret as an arms race.