Czechia

Conscription currently imposed?

No

Suspended 2004 by amendment of the Military Act.

May be reinstated in a situation of threat or wartime.

Conscientious objection first recognised

1992

Civilian Service Act (of Czechoslovakia) No. 18/1992

CO release of professional soldiers

–

“An administrative procedure with a possibility of judicial review”.
No details known.

Minimum recruitment age

18

 

Population

Total

% males 15-19

Thus approx. annual cohort reaching 18

10,830,000

2.6

56,316

Armed forces

Total strength

Of which conscripts

Compared to annual cohort above

26,600

-

47.2%

Military expenditure

$ (% change from 2022)

Per capita

% of GDP

$5,056m (+26.2%)

$481.8

1.5%

Current situation & recent developments

The Czech Republic is considering ideas to reintroduce conscription. Lawmakers and officials are only debating the form it might take. The country's President, Petr Pavel, a former Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Republic, advocates for a transitional administrative draft into the army.[1]

Defense Minister Jana Chernohova has proposed various forms of reintroducing conscription, hinting at cooperation with universities and considering citizens with firearms licences. Ideas have also been floated about voluntary enlistment for those who could undergo necessary training if the country's defence situation deteriorates.

The Chief of the Czech General Staff, Karel Řehka, expressed support for reinstating military service in some form, whether compulsory or voluntary. However, he emphasised that it would be significantly different from the communist-style national service of the past.[2]

During debates on CNN Prima News, Jan Bartosek, Deputy Chairman of KDU-CSL and Vice-Speaker of the lower house, stated that the state should know how many people are willing to defend the country in case of a military conflict, advocating for a return to mandatory military service.

Ondrej Kolar, a member of TOP 09, agreed that some form of military service is necessary, but emphasised the importance of determining the form and duration of such service.

In contrast, ANO deputy Jaroslav Bzoh stated that there are no prerequisites for introducing mandatory military service in the Czech Republic. He expressed doubts about the country's readiness and experience to return to more intensive training.[3]

 

[1] https://brnodaily.com/2024/02/26/news/pavel-calls-for-moves-towards-administrative-military-conscription-in-the-czech-republic/

[2] https://english.radio.cz/czechia-may-need-bring-back-military-service-says-army-chief-8809056

[3] https://brnodaily.com/2024/02/26/news/pavel-calls-for-moves-towards-administrative-military-conscription-in-the-czech-republic/