Belgrade, 14 September 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on Saturday approved the reintroduction of compulsory military service, which was abolished in 2011.

As commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Vučić agreed to reimpose a 75-day period of compulsory service at a ceremony in Belgrade.

While the measure only applies to men, women can continue to serve in the armed forces on a voluntary basis.

Serbia needs a strong army and must buy and produce more weapons, Vučić added. "It is not our wish to attack anyone. But it is our wish to deter all those who threaten us day after day."

He did not elaborate on the source of the threats.

Prime Minister Miloš Vučević's government still has to approve the decision, a move which is seen as a formality due to his close ties with the president.

Serbia's army leadership called for compulsory military service of up to four months at the start of the year.

Earlier this month, Vučić stated that the duration of compulsory military service should be carefully considered, saying it should not be too long, so as not to drive even more young men to leave the country.

Like other Balkan countries, Serbia is struggling with a high rate of emigration, especially among younger generations.