Greece will officially extend its mandatory military service from 9 months to 12 months in May 2021, announced by National Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos.
Speaking in Greek parliament, Panagiotopoulos said the decision was made with the Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA), chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
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“During today’s meeting of the Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) the proposal of the Ministry of National Defense regarding military service was discussed, among other things,” Panagiotopoulos said.
The law will not affect those who are currently serving their military service and conscripts serving along the Turkey border or on the Aegean islands.
For probationary reserve officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the term of office shall be set at seventeen and fourteen months, respectively.
According to Greek news outlet EURACTIV Greece, the decision was made in order to strengthen the military presence at the borders between Greece and Turkey.
In Greece, the unemployment rate of young people up to 24 years old jumped to an alarming 33% last September, according to Greek statistics office data. In the announcement, the minister said the number of students admitted to military schools would also be raised.
Military service in Greece is mandatory for men from the age of 19.
