Croatia Restores Mandatory Military Service to Strengthen National Defence
In a landmark move, Croatia has officially reintroduced mandatory military conscription after a 17-year hiatus. Lawmakers in Zagreb approved the decision on October 24, 2025, marking a significant shift in the nation’s defence policy as geopolitical tensions continue to escalate across Europe.
The Croatian Parliament voted by a large majority to reinstate compulsory military training for young citizens, a decision that government officials say is necessary to enhance national security amid a volatile international climate shaped by the Russia-Ukraine war and rising global instability.
Defence Minister Ivan Anusic, representing the governing Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), emphasized the importance of proactive defence readiness. “We are witnessing a rise in various types of threats that demand swift and effective action from the broader community. In the face of any danger, defending our country is a national duty,” Anusic told lawmakers.
From Professionalization to Preparedness: Why Croatia Reversed Its 2008 Defence Policy
Croatia originally abolished conscription in 2008, just before joining NATO in 2009, in an effort to build a fully professional military force. However, in recent years, government officials and defence analysts have expressed growing concern that the professional army alone cannot meet the demands of today’s security environment.
According to Anusic, the reintroduction of basic military training is not merely symbolic — it represents a tangible step to ensure that Croatia can respond effectively to crises, including natural disasters, cyber threats, and regional military escalation.
“Croatia must be prepared for every scenario,” Anusic stated, adding that the new policy will reinforce cooperation within NATO and improve the nation’s ability to respond to external threats.
Details of Croatia’s 2025 Conscription Program
Under the new law, approximately 18,000 men will be conscripted annually to undergo two months of military training once they turn 18. The program is set to launch in early 2026.
- Who Will Serve: Only men will be required to serve, while women are exempt.
- Alternative Service: Conscientious objectors can opt for three to four months of civil service in fields such as disaster response or community assistance.
- Compensation: Regular conscripts will earn €1,100 ($1,280) per month, while civil service participants will receive slightly less.
- Career Benefits: Those who complete their service will enjoy preferential treatment in public sector job applications.
Public Response: Support and Criticism
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion across Croatia. Public sentiment, according to media interviews and street polls, leans largely in favor of the move.
Many citizens view conscription as a tool to instill discipline, patriotism, and life skills among young Croatians.
“The army would bring more structure – waking up early, spending less time on phones, and learning things that are very important for life, like survival skills,” said Luka Budiselic, a 23-year-old student from Zagreb.
Others, like Manuela Skoblar, a mother of four, believe mandatory service could positively shape the next generation. “Military training could help young people grow up faster and understand the realities of life,” she told AFP.
However, opposition voices, particularly from left-wing parties, argue that the law discriminates against women and civil service participants, who receive lower pay and fewer benefits. Critics also question whether the short training period can meaningfully enhance national defence capabilities.
Strengthening Croatia’s Defence in a Volatile Europe
Croatia’s decision reflects a broader regional trend. Several European and NATO member states, including Sweden, Lithuania, and Finland, have reintroduced or expanded military service programs in response to Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine and increasing instability across the Western Balkans.
Anusic’s ministry has ramped up investments in modern equipment, joint NATO exercises, and cybersecurity preparedness. The defence minister highlighted that the reintroduction of conscription is part of a “comprehensive defence reform” aimed at boosting readiness for both military and non-military crises.
Croatia also seeks to expand its disaster response capabilities, noting the rise in natural disasters such as floods and wildfires, which often stretch the country’s emergency services thin.
Economic and Social Impacts of Conscription
The new conscription policy will likely have economic implications, both positive and negative. On one hand, it is expected to create thousands of new training and administrative positions within the military and civil sectors. On the other, it may temporarily disrupt the workforce, as young men spend two months in training each year.
Supporters argue that the long-term benefits — including improved discipline, civic engagement, and employability — outweigh the short-term challenges. Military experience, they contend, provides valuable skills in teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
Furthermore, Croatia’s youth unemployment rate, which remains higher than the EU average, could benefit from structured pathways into government and defence-related careers.
Gender and Equality Debate
While the government insists that women’s exemption from conscription aligns with traditional European models, human rights advocates argue that excluding women from mandatory service perpetuates inequality.
Critics also note that civil service participants — often those who refuse armed service for ethical reasons — face financial and career disadvantages. Left-wing lawmakers have proposed amendments to equalize pay and benefits across both military and civil service tracks.
Despite the criticism, Defence Minister Anusic maintains that the focus remains on national security and ensuring that every citizen has an opportunity to contribute to the nation’s resilience, whether through military or civil roles.
Croatia’s Position in NATO and the EU
Since joining NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013, Croatia has been an active participant in international peacekeeping and collective defence operations.
Reinstating conscription signals the country’s commitment to its alliance responsibilities and its recognition of the evolving nature of security threats in the 21st century — from hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns to energy insecurity and border tensions.
Analysts note that Croatia’s move could inspire other Balkan nations to reconsider their own military preparedness policies.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Croatia’s Defence Strategy
Croatia’s decision to bring back mandatory military conscription marks a historic turning point in its national defence approach. The policy aims to strengthen homeland security, prepare citizens for emergencies, and reaffirm Croatia’s commitment to its NATO allies.
While debates over gender equality, cost, and necessity continue, one thing is clear — the era of global uncertainty has prompted even smaller European nations to take bold steps in protecting their sovereignty.
As Defence Minister Ivan Anusic stated, “In the face of any threat, defending the country is crucial. Preparedness is not just a military strategy — it is a civic responsibility.”
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