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As reported by HRT
The Parliament of Croatia has approved the return of compulsory military service. 84 deputies voted in favor of the amendments to the Defense Act, 30 abstained, 11 spoke out against it. Thus the country officially confirmed the revival of basic military training for the youth.
The training will last two months. By the end of this year they will start sending notices, and the first conscripts in the military units in Knin, Slunj, and Požega are expected at the beginning of 2026.
Under this procedure all young men after reaching 18 years are entered into military records. The service will begin in the calendar year when they turn 19. Before being sent to training, the youth undergo mandatory medical examination to determine fitness.
Program goals and expected outcomes
The Ministry of Defence of Croatia stated that the aim of the program is to teach young people basic military skills and strengthen national security. After completing the training, the recruits will join the Armed Forces Reserve.
Annually they plan to draft about 4,000 recruits, distributed into five cohorts.