Poland enacts law on mobilization of all citizens aged 18-60 in case of war
21 September 2025 00:21
In the event of a war in Poland, all citizens aged 18 to 60 are subject to mobilization, regardless of their place of residence and tax residence. This is stipulated by the updated Law on the Defense of the Fatherland. Exceptions are seriously ill, pregnant women, parents of young children, as well as those whose professions are critical to the security of the state, and holders of second citizenship.
This was reported by the Wyborcza newspaper, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Until 2025, this law applied only to conscription and exempted those who had lived abroad for more than two years. Now this rule is no longer valid.
Representatives of the Ministry of Defense confirm that all citizens, even those who are outside the country, are obliged to report to the mobilization call. Failure to appear is punishable by at least 3 years in prison, and evasion of service – at least 5 years.
Poland cannot forcibly return its citizens from abroad, but, according to lawyer Tomasz Lewandowski, ignoring the summons will lead to criminal liability upon returning home: “As long as you are a Polish citizen, you are obliged to defend the country.”
According to GUS, more than 1.5 million Poles live abroad, most of them in the EU. Sociologists have noted an increase in emigration sentiment after Russian drone attacks on Poland, but the military warns that running away will not absolve them of responsibility.
