Cyprus defense ministry announces 2026 conscription platform launch

The Cypriot Ministry of Defense has announced that the online platform for the 2026 draft cohort (ESSO) will be active from April 17 to May 3, 2026. Conscripts must use the unified government portal, gov.cy, to submit their preferences for branches, arms, and services within the National Guard. Users are required to create a citizen profile and complete the identification process by April 15, 2026, to access the 'E-Katataxi' service. Individuals who previously created a profile at the age of 16 for registration purposes do not need to create a new one but must ensure their identification is updated. The ministry intends to publish further informational material and guidelines on the gov.cy/mod website prior to the platform's launch. This digital transition aims to streamline the selection and allocation process for all incoming recruits.