The Ministry of Defence (MoD) will take further steps next year to ensure that women are subject to mandatory conscription into the National Defence Service (NDS) by 2028, Defence Minister Andris Sprūds (Progressives) told Delfi TV.
Sprūds confirmed that introducing mandatory service for women remains a relevant issue, stressing that both for him as defence minister and for his party, gender equality and shared responsibility are of high importance.
“We see that both boys and girls participate in national defence education, which has been introduced in all schools. Therefore, the issue of gender equality and involving both genders in the NDS is on the agenda,” the minister underlined.
According to Sprūds, the next steps are planned for next year. To move forward, two key conditions must be met. First, suitable equipment must be provided for both genders, including uniforms, which will be delivered to servicewomen next year. Second, the infrastructure must be prepared to ensure quality service.
“The next step will be to come forward with a concrete proposal
that, starting in 2028, the NDS should apply equally to men and women,” the minister said.
At the same time, Sprūds acknowledged that the issue requires ongoing dialogue with society, as public support is essential. Discussions with coalition partners have already begun, and according to him, they have shown openness, but talks must continue.
Commenting on the 191 administrative cases launched this year by the Military Police against NDS conscripts who failed to attend medical examinations without justification or did not complete them, Sprūds stressed that the MoD continues to highlight the principle of voluntariness, and the number of volunteers is still increasing.
At the same time, discussions continue about increasing penalties. “If avoiding examinations and service becomes systematic, and if stricter penalties can contribute positively, then the ministry is ready to move forward in this area,” Sprūds explained. Draft amendments to the NDS law are currently being prepared to improve the service, which may include debates on higher administrative fines or even criminal liability. However, the minister emphasized there is no rush, as careful analysis is needed.
The National Defence Service Law, adopted by the Saeima on the 5th of April, 2023, stipulates that every Latvian citizen—male—must serve within one year of turning 18, or, if still in basic or secondary education, within one year of graduation, but no later than the age of 24.
At the same time, the law allows voluntary enlistment for both men and women aged 18 to 27.
If necessary, the shortfall of personnel aged 18–19 is filled through random selection.
The NDS is a form of state service that includes both military service and civilian service (alternative service). Those who, for reasons of belief or conscience, cannot perform military service may opt for the alternative, which currently lasts 11 months in MoD-affiliated institutions.
Commander of the National Armed Forces (NAF), Kaspars Pudāns, already stated in an interview with LETA this spring that at some point, Latvia may have to return to the issue of mandatory conscription of women.
The NAF aims to reach its planned target of training 4,000 NDS soldiers annually. According to a ministerial order, the first random selection of conscripts to fill shortfalls took place on the 26th of November, 2024.
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