Croatia Votes to Reintroduce Military Conscription as Tensions Rise in Eastern Europe
Croatian troops take part in a military parade marking 30 years since a key war victory, in Zagreb, Croatia, Thursday, July 31, 2025. Photo: AP Photo/Darko Bandic
On Friday, October 24, Croatia’s parliament voted to reintroduce compulsory military service, with top officials arguing that international tensions require the restoration of mandatory basic military training to bolster Croatia’s defense forces in case of an emergency. The decision comes amid growing tensions in Europe due to the war in Ukraine, as well as Russia’s increasing aggression against other Eastern European nations in recent months. It also coincides with the latest broadened arms race and military buildup in the Balkans.
Balkan nations have been increasing military spending and working to better their equipment in recent years. The result has been a sort of arms race as different former-Yugoslav nations, among whom tensions are already high, take different approaches in upping their military presence and abilities. This is most prevalent between Kosovo and Serbia, as Kosovo aims to deepen NATO integration and Serbia builds alliances with Moscow and Beijing. Despite that, Croatia has been increasingly placing its stake in military growth in the region.
Croatia’s Defense Ministry cited the reason for the reintroduction of conscription as a way to teach young people basic skills and knowledge necessary in “crisis situations, so they would contribute to national security.” Defense Minister Ivan Anušić from the governing conservative HDZ party told lawmakers this week that “We are seeing a rise in various types of threats … that demand swift and effective action from the broader community.” Anušić’s Department of Defense has been stepping up its efforts to meet potential challenges posed by Russia since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022.
Croatian troops take part in a military parade marking 30 years since a key war victory, in Zagreb, Croatia, Thursday, July 31, 2025. Photo: AP Photo/Darko Bandic
Lawmakers approved the reintroduction of conscription in an 84-11 vote with 30 abstentions in the 151-member parliament of the NATO and European Union member state. Croatia suspended conscription in 2008 when the country shifted to a volunteer system after the 1990s conflict in the Balkans had settled. The decision to end conscription preceded Croatia’s joining of NATO, an effort to professionalize its military before joining the alliance in 2009.
Deputies amended two laws in order to allow the change. 84 deputies in the 151-seat assembly backed amendments to the defense law, while 110 voted to amend the law on service in the armed forces in order to make way for conscription. Under conscription, approximately 18,000 men will be enlisted each year for two months of annual training after they turn 18, with the initiative expected to start next year. Conscripts born in 2007 will begin being called for medical checkups before the end of the year.
Croatian Air Force Rafael fighter jets take part in a military parade in Zagreb, Croatia, Thursday, July 31, 2025. Photo: AP Photo/Darko Bandic
Conscripts will receive a salary, and conscientious objectors can opt for civilian service, such as disaster response teams, instead, according to the HRT report. Regular conscripts will be paid approximately 1,100 euros per month. While the amount for those serving in the alternative civil services has yet to be determined, it will likely be considerably lower. Conscripts will also have an advantage when applying for jobs at public and state-run institutions upon completion of their service.
Left-wing opponents to the decision have said that the law discriminates against women and those who choose civil protection, as they would receive a lower wage and not be afforded preferential treatment for government jobs. However, according to Croatian citizens interviewed by AFP news in Zagreb, the move is being hailed by the public.