Cyprus - April 2025

On 3 April, Parliament passed a law allowing women to voluntarily enlist in the country’s military service for the first time. Previously, only males were required to complete 14 months of compulsory military service upon turning 18, while women were not permitted to enlist voluntarily and could serve only as salaried professionals or contracted personnel. The new legislation, approved with 32 votes in favour and 15 abstentions, now allows any citizen, regardless of gender, who meets specific physical fitness requirements to volunteer for military service. The requirement of the duration of the military service will be lower for women. The first group of women volunteers is expected to begin their service in October.

Sources: Associated Press, Cyprus Mail, eKathimerini