Croatia reintroduces mandatory military conscription after 17 years

"The country had abolished conscription in 2008, a year before joining NATO, in an effort to professionalise its military. But top officials have since argued that international tensions require the restoration of basic military training to bolster Croatia's defence forces. We are seeing a rise in various types of threats that demand swift and effective action from the broader community, Defence Minister Ivan Anusic, from the governing conservative HDZ party, told the lawmakers this week. In the face of any threat, defending the country is crucial."

"Approximately 18,000 men would be enlisted each year for two months of training annually as they turn 18. The initiative is expected to start next year. Women will be exempt, while conscientious objectors will be able to serve three or four months in civil service roles, including disaster response teams. Deputies amended two laws to allow the change. A total of 84 deputies of those present in the 151-seat assembly backed amendments to the defence law,"

"Anusic's department has been stepping up efforts to meet the potential challenges posed by Russia since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine three years ago. Croatia also wants to be better prepared for increasing natural disasters and other crises with more soldiers, according to the Defence Ministry. After the vote, people speaking to the AFP news agency on the streets of Zagreb mostly hailed the move. The army would bring more structure wak"

Croatia will reintroduce mandatory military service to bolster national defence amid rising regional tensions and the Russia-Ukraine war. Parliament approved amendments restoring conscription by a large majority. Approximately 18,000 men will be enlisted each year for two months of training as they turn 18, with the initiative expected to start next year. Women are exempt, and conscientious objectors can perform three to four months of civil service, including disaster response roles. The move reverses the 2008 abolition of conscription and aims to improve preparedness for potential security challenges, natural disasters, and other crises.

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