Serbia to resume mandatory military service in 2025

The Serbian government is preparing to reintroduce mandatory military service by sending a proposed law to the National Assembly for approval, with implementation planned for 2025.

Prime Minister Milos Vucevic announced this development, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“We are ready to present this law to the Assembly very soon and ensure that all preparations are completed within 2025. The context has shifted significantly from the previous era when military service lasted 12 months; now, only two months of training will be required,” Vucevic said.

He clarified that the reinstitution of conscription is not about gearing up for conflicts or wars, but rather about national defence and preventing possible attacks. “This does not mean we are abolishing the professional military. We need to have a nation that is ready to respond to any situation,” he added, as quoted by Radio and Television Serbia.

The Serbian Defence Ministry had previously submitted a proposal to President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Aleksandar Vucic, advocating for the reintroduction of compulsory military service. This initiative was formulated following a detailed analysis of the country's security challenges and is in line with Serbia’s strategy to maintain military neutrality. Currently, the Serbian Armed Forces operate with a professional cadre of contracted servicemen.

In a related development, Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anusic recently announced that Croatia will also reinstate mandatory conscription starting January 1, 2025, attributing the decision to the current global security climate.