Presidents of Latvia and Estonia are urging European countries to prepare for possible confrontation with Russia, emphasizing the need to take a number of measures to ensure collective security. In their interviews, presidents have expressed the view that NATO member states should increase military expenditures to the Cold War and consider the possibility of introducing compulsory military service to increase the efficiency of the Armed Forces.
Latvia President Edgar Rinkevich noted that although the professional army has its advantages, compulsory military service can help increase the country's reserves. He emphasized that although no one wants to war, there is no desire to be a victim of aggression, especially given the events in Ukraine.
Currently, several countries, including Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden, have already resumed a military conscription system, and Denmark is considering the possibility of introducing compulsory service for women. At the same time, Estonia, Finland and Norway have retained the system of military conscription since the Cold War.
Estonia President Aldar Caris also suggested the idea of introducing a special tax to finance defense expenses to provide the necessary resources to strengthen the defense of European countries.
