Croatia Reinstates Compulsory Military Service After Nearly 20 Years

Compulsory Military Service Returns

Compulsory military service in Croatia is returning after a break of almost 20 years, with around 800 individuals in the first batch of conscripts beginning their training on March 9, 2026.

Of the 800 conscripts, more than half, specifically 446, volunteered for service, indicating a strong interest in military careers among the youth. Notably, one in ten conscripts are women, who are under no obligation to serve, with 82 choosing to volunteer.

The conscripts will undergo two months of basic military training, which will include essential military skills and key operations from Croatia’s War for Independence. This training is part of a broader initiative to enhance the capabilities of the Croatian Armed Forces.

Each year, up to 4,000 conscripts are expected to be called up for training, with the government allocating an annual budget of approximately 23.7 million euros for this initiative. Conscripts will receive a net monthly allowance of about 1,100 euros during their service.

Ivan Anusic, the Croatian Minister of Defense, expressed hope that some of the conscripts will decide on a career in the Croatian Army after completing their military training. He stated, “Today, we are ending but also starting a major project that has been in preparation for a year-and-a-half.”

In terms of logistics, 200 conscripts are training in Knin, another 200 in Slunj, and 400 in Pozega, reflecting a distributed approach to military training across the country.

For those who declare conscientious objection, provisions are in place to allow them to carry out civilian service instead of military training. So far, only 10 conscripts have declared such objections.

Compulsory military service in Croatia was abolished in 2007, marking a significant shift in the country’s military policy. The reintroduction of conscription is seen as a response to evolving security needs in the region.

As Croatia embarks on this new chapter in its military history, observers will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the country’s defense posture and the overall interest in military careers among its youth.