Serbian Ministry of Defense “offers up to 4 months of service”
To address security concerns in the region, Serbia has begun a move to reinstate conscription for the first time in 13 years.
According to AP on the 4th (local time), the Serbian Ministry of Defense issued a statement that day, saying, “With (military) tensions increasing in the Balkan Peninsula, Serbia must reintroduce compulsory military service.”
At the same time, he said, “We proposed service for up to four months in order to strengthen the defense capabilities of the Serbian army by activating and improving the training of active-duty troops and reserve forces.” “This comes after detailed consideration of the current challenges.”
However, conditions such as age targeted by the conscription revival plan were not specifically announced.
The Serbian Ministry of Defense added that the proposal to revive the conscription system was delivered to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic for review.
In 2011, Serbia stopped conscription, saying it would professionalize its military.
It is interpreted that the government has declared its intention to put an end to its efforts to revive the conscription system, even at the cost of large financial costs.
The Balkan Peninsula, which experienced the Yugoslav Civil War in the 1990s, has maintained a state of high military tension. Serbia remains wary of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Serbia has also been in conflict with Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008. Serbia, along with Russia and China, has not recognized Kosovo since it declared independence. The areas governed by Kosovo are also classified as autonomous provinces of the country.
Serbia has chosen to be formally neutral, but in fact it has maintained a close relationship with Russia, from which it has purchased troops, weapons, and equipment.
Serbia is officially seeking to join the European Union (EU), but is opposed to the introduction of sanctions imposed on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.