ZAGREB, June 5, 2025 — Croatia is set to reintroduce mandatory military service in early 2026, marking a significant shift in the nation’s defence policy after nearly two decades of relying on a fully professional military.
The move comes in response to growing regional security concerns and a push to strengthen civic engagement among young citizens.
The new legislation, unveiled on Wednesday by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić at a press conference in Zagreb, will see all eligible men between the ages of 18 and 30 undergo eight weeks of compulsory basic military training starting no later than January 2026.
The draft bill, officially titled the Law on Service in the Armed Forces, was presented alongside General Tihomir Kundid, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces.
The proposed law has broad political support, including endorsement from Croatian President Zoran Milanović and sections of the opposition, and is expected to pass swiftly through parliament.
“A Necessary Step for Croatia”
“This law will be adopted and implemented quickly,” Anušić told reporters, describing the legislation as a “necessary and timely” response to shifting global security dynamics. “We are not preparing for war, but we are preparing to be ready — because readiness is peace.”
The reintroduction of conscription follows an extended period of military modernization, during which Croatia has increased its defence budget by more than 22% in 2024 and another 18% in 2025.
The country has also made high-profile defence acquisitions, including 12 French Rafale fighter jets and 50 German-made Leopard tanks, which are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025.
The decision to bring back compulsory service is widely seen as part of a broader strategy to enhance national resilience, particularly in the wake of the 2022 escalation of the war in Ukraine and rising tensions in Southeastern Europe.
Details of the Program
The reinstated military service will consist of eight weeks of basic training (TVO), during which conscripts will be taught a range of military and practical skills — from handling weapons and tactical maneuvers to first aid and fitness training.
All male Croatian citizens aged 18 to 30 will be required to undergo the training, provided they pass a medical examination. Female citizens are not subject to conscription, but may volunteer. The training will also serve as a prerequisite for those wishing to enter the military in a professional capacity.
Training will take place in barracks located in Knin, Slunj, and Požega, and the program is designed to accommodate up to 4,000 recruits annually, divided into five cohorts of around 800 individuals each.
Participants will live in barracks and follow a strict daily schedule from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Weekend rest will be limited, with special permissions required to leave the premises.
Each conscript will receive a monthly net allowance of €1,100, and the time spent in training will be counted towards their employment history.
Additionally, those who complete the program will enjoy preferential treatment when applying for jobs in public administration and state-owned companies.
Alternatives for Conscientious Objectors
In an effort to accommodate those who cannot serve for moral or religious reasons, the law outlines two civilian alternatives: a three-month civil protection training or four months of community service in local or regional institutions.
However, individuals opting for these alternatives will receive reduced compensation. Importantly, authorities reserve the right to deny requests for conscientious objection if they find the stated reasons insufficient — especially in cases where the applicant has a record involving weapons or violent behavior.
Broad Exemptions and Deferral Options
The legislation also accounts for a wide range of exemptions and deferral conditions. These include:
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University and high school students, who can postpone service until age 29.
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Dual citizens who have completed equivalent service abroad.
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Police cadets and members of religious orders.
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Individuals undergoing criminal investigations or trials.
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People facing financial hardship, bereavement, or recent parenthood, who may apply for deferral with appropriate documentation.
Croatians living abroad who are not registered in the national military system will be required to notify their nearest consulate or diplomatic mission of their status by age 29.
Public and Political Reaction
The proposal has sparked debate among civil society groups and human rights advocates, with some questioning the necessity of reinstating conscription in a peacetime setting.
However, polling suggests that a majority of the Croatian public supports the move, particularly in light of regional instability and the desire to reinforce national pride and responsibility.
President Milanović, himself a former army officer, has strongly backed the initiative. “Service to one’s country is not only a military obligation — it is a civic duty,” he said during a separate address on Tuesday. “We must cultivate a generation that understands discipline, loyalty, and commitment to the republic.”
A Strategic and Social Investment
Officials argue that the law does more than bolster defence capabilities. They see it as an investment in youth development and national cohesion.
“The modern Croatian soldier is not only a defender of territory but also a model citizen,” said General Kundid. “We are building more than an army — we are building the spirit of a nation.”
Analysts say the success of the program will depend on its execution and public communication. While mandatory military service remains controversial in some European countries, others — including Finland and Estonia — have maintained conscription systems with wide public approval and integration into national identity.
If successfully implemented, Croatia’s model could serve as a blueprint for balancing security needs with societal development.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, the government is expected to roll out an extensive public information campaign, aiming to clarify obligations, explain procedures, and ease anxieties surrounding the return of conscription.
For now, Croatia appears unified in its resolve: to prepare, to protect, and to foster a generation grounded in both military readiness and civic duty.