The security situation has changed - this is how the argument with which Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić of the national-conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) justified the return to compulsory military service can be summarized, ARD notes. Anušić also stated that according to the EU and NATO, as well as the Croatian government, the geopolitical challenges are currently great and require the modernization and preparation of the Croatian army for possible threats to begin immediately.
Security is the number one topic
HDZ supports Ukraine, and Russia's aggressive war is also one of the reasons for the return of compulsory military service in Croatia, ARD explains and lists the news.
The changes in Croatia come into effect in January 2026. All men under the age of 29 will then be required to undergo two months of basic training, depending on their fitness for military service, which is certified by a medical commission.
Croatia abolished compulsory military service in 2008 and nearly 300,000 young men have not received any military training since then, the minister explained, adding that the issue of security in Europe, and in the world as a whole, has now become the number one topic.
Voluntary service for women
Refusal of military service in Croatia will be possible, for example for religious and moral reasons, but anyone who takes advantage of such an opportunity will be forced to do alternative military service. Women will also be able to serve in the army - but on a voluntary basis. Priests, monks and men with dual citizenship who are doing military service in another country will not be subject to military service in Croatia.
During military training, recruits receive a net salary of 1,100 euros per month, and later they will have priority in civil service appointments. Anyone who refuses military service will have to pay fines. According to media reports, the Croatian army hopes to train 4,000 recruits a year.
The decision to return military service was made in late October in the parliament in Zagreb with a large majority. The Social Democrats, the largest opposition party, also supported the proposal.
Accusations of populism
Despite the broad consensus, there is also criticism of the introduction of the new military service. One of them is from Sandra Benčić of the left wing of the Green Party coalition. Benčić advocates voluntary military service, on the basis of which a professional army would be built. She considers the introduction of compulsory military service a “purely populist move“.
Author: David Frejes ARD