by croatiaweek
October 3, 2025
in
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
Seventeen years after compulsory military service was abolished, Croatia is preparing to reintroduce a form of basic military training.
At its 118th session on 3 October 2025, the Government of the Republic of Croatia presented the final drafts of amendments to the Defence Act and the Act on Service in the Armed Forces, sending them to Parliament for debate and adoption.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić explained that young men will be called up in the calendar year in which they turn 19.
Exceptions will allow older recruits, up to the age of 30, as well as volunteers, to take part.
Women will not be subject to compulsory service but may join the training voluntarily.
Two-month training at three locations
The basic military training will last two months and will be held at three sites in Croatia – Knin, Slunj and Požega.
Each intake will include up to 800 recruits, with five intakes planned annually.
Those unwilling to serve in the Armed Forces due to religious or moral beliefs will be allowed to submit a conscientious objection.
Instead, they will be assigned to roles in civil protection or within local and regional self-government units.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić (Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)
Benefits for participants
Completing the basic training will bring certain advantages. One of the most notable is priority in public sector employment, the Ministry of Defence said.
Unemployed individuals who finish either compulsory or voluntary training, as well as classified reservists, will be given preference for permanent positions in state institutions and local or regional administrations, provided other conditions are equal.
Pay and rights of recruits
Recruits will be entitled to 90% of a soldier’s salary – around €1,100 per month – during their two months of training. The period will also be counted towards their employment record.
Alongside the Defence Act amendments, changes to the Armed Forces Service Act define the status, rights and obligations of recruits during training, including pay and material entitlements.
If approved by Parliament, this reform will mark the first step towards reinstating basic military preparation for young Croatians since conscription was suspended in 2008.