The Republic of Croatia on Friday reintroduced compulsory military service following fears over the escalating Russia-Ukraine war and destabilization in the Balkans.
With an 84 to 11 vote, the Croatian Parliament (Sabor) approved changes to the country’s Defense Act and the Armed Forces Service Act, reintroducing basic military training. The new system consists of two months of basic training, which, according to the Defense Ministry, aims to teach young citizens basic crisis-response skills.
Under the new legislation, people born in 2007 will be called for medical examinations by the end of this year. Those objecting to the system based on religious or moral grounds will have the option of being civil servants for three to four months.
According to Defense Minister Ivan Anušić, the first group of conscripts will start training in January 2026, and the country’s goal is to enlist 4,000 recruits annually. Anušić emphasized that the program will reflect modern-day warfare instructions, including cybersecurity, first aid, drone operation, and advanced survival skills.
Additionally, Anušić noted that Croatia’s goal is to become a leading force in European drone production, stressing that domestic manufacturers already produce thousands of FPV drones using Croatian technology only.
Croatia suspended conscription in 2008, but the unstable situation in the region, particularly in relation to neighboring Serbia, has forced the country to strengthen its armed forces and engage in military partnerships in recent years. Earlier in 2025, Croatia signed a trilateral military agreement with Albania and Kosovo, facing severe backlash from Serbia.
According the the Defense Ministers of the three countries, the agreement aims to strengthen security through joint training, interoperability, and countering hybrid threats such as cybersecurity attacks and disinformation.