Malta

Previous reports: 2024 | 2023/24

Principal EBCO concerns

• No recognition of the right to conscientious objection exists for those enlisted in voluntary service, reserve service, or the military personnel.

Based on the Ombudsman of Malta’s reply to EBCO’s questionnaire and public information:

Conscription provisions and procedures

No conscription exists. The armed forces operate on a voluntary recruitment basis, while a voluntary reserve service also exists.

Voluntary recruitment

Voluntary recruitment is regulated by the Malta Armed Forces Act (Chapter 220, Laws of Malta)² and the Appointments and Conditions of the Regular Force Regulations (S.L.220.03).³

The minimum age of recruitment is 18 years and the initial duration required is for 3 years of service.

In 2025, 73 recruits signed up (10 women and 63 men), and in 2026 the number was 84 (9 women and 75 men).

Financial incentives are given as well as the benefit of retiring with a service pension after 25 years. Educational and technical courses are also offered relevant to the service.

Conscientious objection during and after military service

No recognition of the right to conscientious objection exists for those enlisted in voluntary service, reserve service, or the military personnel.

Requests for discharge go up the chain of command with the final decision being taken by the Commander of the Armed Forces.

1. Military expenditure figures are estimates published by SIPRI (The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) in April 2026.↩︎
2. https://legislation.mt/eli/cap/220/eng/pdf↩︎
3. https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/220.3/eng/pdf↩︎