Serbia Vucic gives green light for introduction of compulsory military service

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has given the green light for the reintroduction of compulsory military service, which was abolished in 2011. As commander-in-chief of the armed forces, he has signed that he agrees to the 75-day compulsory military service for men, Vucic said at an officer's inauguration in Belgrade. Women can continue to serve in the armed forces on a voluntary basis.

Serbia needs a strong army and must buy and produce more weapons, Vucic added. "It is not our wish to attack anyone. But our desire is to deter all those who threaten us day after day." He did not elaborate on who he considers to be the source of threats.

The government still has to formally approve compulsory military service. This is considered certain, as Prime Minister Milos Vucevic is a loyal follower of the president. Serbia's army leadership had already called for conscription for up to four months at the beginning of the year.

At the beginning of September, Vucic declared that the duration of compulsory military service should be carefully considered. It should not be too long so that even more young men do not turn their backs on the country. Serbia, like the other Balkan countries, is struggling with a strong exodus of its younger and more active population in particular.

SDA