Send to Kindle
Amid escalating tensions on its borders and a significant increase in the Ministry of National Defense budget, Romania is discreetly preparing for the reintroduction of compulsory military service, according to reports from Digi24. Despite the ongoing conflict and increased defense spending, Romania faces a substantial shortage of military personnel, particularly in officer ranks, with only 57 percent of positions filled. Comparatively, neighboring Bulgaria contends with a 26 percent deficit in officer positions.
Authorities in Bulgaria attribute their shortage to alleged disinformation campaigns about Russia's war in Ukraine and deficiencies in the military system. The government in Sofia has proposed public discussions on the potential reinstatement of mandatory military service.
In Romania, factors contributing to the personnel shortage include low salaries and early retirements. Nicolae Ciuca, Chairman of the National Liberal Party and former Prime Minister, expressed skepticism about the immediate feasibility of compulsory military service due to inadequate infrastructure.
Against this backdrop, it emerged that a quarter of applicants for military service in the Romanian army failed the physical fitness test during the spring recruitment campaign, held from February to April. Out of 6,448 applicants, 24 percent did not meet the physical requirements, while 18 percent failed psychological tests, and 12 percent failed medical examinations. Consequently, only 2,626 applicants were accepted.
The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that the physical fitness test is of moderate difficulty and should be passable for candidates aged 18 to 45 with normal physical development. A second recruitment campaign is planned for May.
Before abolishing conscription in 2007, Romania boasted an army of over 300 thousand personnel. Presently, approximately 70 thousand individuals serve in the armed forces, according to the Ministry of National Defense.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
Bulgaria's Defense Minister, Atanas Zapryanov, affirmed that the reintroduction of mandatory conscription is not under consideration amidst the country's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and enhance military personnel remuneration.
In response to ongoing staffing challenges within the Bulgarian army, the caretaker government is exploring alternative solutions, with military training for security personnel emerging as a potential strategy
European Commissioner for Internal Affairs, Ylva Johansson, has highlighted the pressing need for increased labor migration in the European Union
In a strategic move aimed at bolstering their defense capabilities, Romania and South Korea have embarked on negotiations for joint arms production, signaling a significant milestone in their bilateral relations
Amid escalating tensions and a renewed Russian offensive, the United States is poised to deliver much-needed military aid to Ukraine following prolonged delays and uncertainties, signaling a crucial lifeline for the embattled nation in its struggle agains
Romania is making strides toward joining the Visa Waiver Program, a significant milestone that would enable its citizens to travel to the United States visa-free for up to 90 days
The presidential election landscape in North Macedonia is poised for a runoff between Gordana Siljanovska, representing VMRO-DPMNE, and Stevo Pendarovski, backed by SDSM
A damning report from the US State Department has unveiled a troubling reality of systematic racial and ethnic violence and discrimination against Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia
The debate surrounding the inclusion of Bulgarians in North Macedonia's constitution, a crucial precondition for the country's European Union accession talks, has taken center stage in the ongoing presidential campaign
In a strategic move aimed at bolstering their defense capabilities, Romania and South Korea have embarked on negotiations for joint arms production, signaling a significant milestone in their bilateral relations
Romania is making strides toward joining the Visa Waiver Program, a significant milestone that would enable its citizens to travel to the United States visa-free for up to 90 days
The Romanian parliament has voted to impose stringent restrictions on the gambling sector, marking a significant shift in the country's regulatory landscape
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022
