Greece plans to strengthen its national defense by creating a new force of 150,000 active volunteer reservists over the next five years, as part of the “Agenda 2030” initiative, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced on Saturday.
Speaking at a conference on the reorganization of the Reserve Institution, organized by the Army General Staff at the Hellenic Military Academy, Dendias described the modernization of the reserve forces as a strategic necessity. The new model envisions a highly trained volunteer reserve force, positioned between the standing army and general mobilization, capable of immediate operational support.
Under the plan, soldiers and reserve officer cadets will be invited to voluntarily continue their service after completing their mandatory duty, while citizens who retired from service within the past ten years will also be encouraged to rejoin. The proposal emphasizes operational training, integration with modern weapon systems, and closer connections between citizens and national defense.
The “Agenda 2030” reforms also include updating digital communication with reservists through the “Reserve” app connected to gov.gr, and exploring benefits and incentives to encourage participation.
Dendias framed the modernization effort as essential in light of shifting global security conditions, emphasizing the historical role of citizen-soldiers in Greek history. He called the reserve the “shield of the State” and stressed the importance of national cohesion in defense planning.
The event was attended by senior military officials, parliamentary representatives, reservist organizations, and international partners who shared best practices from other countries.
