**Military Reforms in Georgia: What’s Changing and Why**
The government of Georgia is proposing significant changes to the country’s defense laws. A new legislative package aims to bring the National Agency for Military Conscription and Recruitment under the Defense Forces’ umbrella during times of war. This move is part of a broader effort to overhaul the country’s compulsory military service system.
**What does it mean?**
The proposed amendments would integrate the agency, which has been responsible for registering citizens for military service, issuing summonses, and conscription since 2024, into the Defense Forces. This would allow for better coordination between the agency and the defense forces during peacetime, including joint planning of drills and military training.
**Consequences for Avoiding Military Service**
The legislative package also includes changes to the Code of Administrative Offenses. Anyone who fails to appear before a conscription or medical examination commission in order to evade mandatory military service would face a fine of 1,000 GEL (around 365 USD). This measure is intended to encourage citizens to comply with their military obligations.
**Historical Context**
The Defense Code was overhauled in September 2023 by the previous parliament. The changes introduced significant reforms, including requiring all conscripts to complete their mandatory term within the Ministry of Defense system starting from 2025. Additionally, the deferral fee for young conscripts under the age of 25 has been increased from 2,000 to 10,000 GEL, and they are now allowed only a single one-year deferral.
**What’s next?**
The proposed amendments will need to be passed by the current parliament before they can take effect. This process is likely to involve debate and discussion among lawmakers, as well as public scrutiny.
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