Serbian authorities have set a timeline for the reintroduction of mandatory military service, with the first conscripts expected to begin training in March 2027, according to statements reported by Tanjug.
President Aleksandar Vučić said the initial phase of training is planned for early 2027 and expressed hope that the measure would help shape young people’s sense of discipline and civic responsibility. “The training of the first soldiers will contribute to greater responsibility and seriousness among young people,” he said.
The announcement follows earlier plans presented this year, when Vučić indicated that compulsory service could be introduced either in December 2026 or March 2027. The current framework envisions a shortened service period of 75 days.
The reintroduction of compulsory military service still requires formal approval by the Serbian parliament through the adoption of relevant legislation before implementation can proceed.
The decision builds on a policy shift initiated in September 2024, when the Serbian government endorsed the return of conscription and revised its duration from the previously planned one-year service to a significantly shorter 75-day program.
