ARCHIVE – Croatian soldiers take part in a military parade. Photo: Darko Bandic/AP/dpa/Archive
Keystone
Against the backdrop of the Russian war against Ukraine, Croatia is reintroducing compulsory military service, which has been suspended for 17 years. The parliament in Zagreb approved a corresponding amendment to the law by a large majority. According to the amendment, men up to the age of 29 who are of legal age and medically fit will be obliged to complete two months of basic training from January 2026 – with a few exceptions.
Defense Minister Ivan Anusic justified the reintroduction of compulsory military service by citing, among other things, an adjustment to “European trends” and “the changed security situation”, without mentioning Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. However, his department had intensified its efforts in this regard since the outbreak of this war. According to the Ministry of Defense, Croatia also wants to be better equipped for “increasing natural disasters” and other crises with more soldiers
Refusal is possible
Service can be refused for reasons of faith or conscience and those affected must perform civilian service instead. Exempt from compulsory military service are priests, monks and men with dual citizenship who are doing compulsory military service in another country. Women can do military service on a voluntary basis. According to media reports, Croatia’s army hopes to be able to train 4,000 recruits every year
During military training, recruits receive a net salary of 1,100 euros per month. They are also to be given preference when it comes to employment in the state service later on. Anyone who evades compulsory military service without permission must expect a fine of 250 to 1,320 euros.
Croatia has been a member of NATO since 2009 and suspended compulsory military service in 2008. According to the constitution, every Croatian has a formal duty to defend their country.