Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that he has signed an agreement for the reinstatement of mandatory military service, which will last for 75 days.
“I want to believe that the Government of Serbia will adopt this decision,” Vucic stated on September 14th in Belgrade, during the promotion ceremony for the youngest officers of the Serbian Armed Forces.
“I hope you all understand how much we need a strong army, how much more we will have to buy weapons, build, and create, as our goal is not to attack anyone, nor will we do so. But our aim is to deter those who relentlessly threaten us every day,” he added, without specifying who poses a threat to Serbia.
Two days ago, Prime Minister Milos Vucevic mentioned that the Serbian government is ready, provided there is a political and social consensus, to quickly propose a law to the National Assembly on the reinstatement of mandatory military service.
“If the logistical and administrative conditions are met, we could begin in 2025,” Vucevic stated.
Since 2011, Serbia has not had mandatory military service, transitioning to a professional army.
Neighboring Croatia also announced that starting January 1st, 2025, it will introduce mandatory military service for a duration of two months, RSE writes.
E.Dz.
