Romanian NATO general warns mandatory conscription may return over reserve shortfalls

Retired General Virgil Bălăceanu warned that Romania’s operational reserve is outdated, with many reservists beyond optimal ages for modern conflict, a weakness revealed by the recent MOBEX drills. He pointed to the government's failure to enact Law No. 5 of 2026, which creates a voluntary term service and sets up a 15-day call-up for operational reservists, as a breach of legal obligations. Although the law was published, the defence minister has not signed it within the prescribed timeframe, and the government has not issued the required implementing decree.

Bălăceanu suggested that postponing these reforms could lead to costly hidden savings in the defence budget and eventually force a return to compulsory military service. He also questioned why other political bodies did not prioritize the law despite its importance for national security.