Compulsory military service returns to Croatia

Croatia will reinstate compulsory military service after 17 years as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities amid growing tensions in Europe. The first recruits will begin basic training on Monday.

Around 800 recruits will start two months of training at military facilities across the country. The Croatian parliament approved the return of compulsory service through an amendment to the defence law in October last year.

The government plans to call up about 4,000 conscripts each year. More than half of the first group are volunteers and around ten per cent of them are women. According to data from academics, only ten people have requested civilian service on grounds of conscientious objection, one of the lowest figures in Europe.

During training, recruits will learn basic military skills, including survival in the field, self-defence, first aid and the operation of FPV drones. The programme also offers financial and employment benefits, including a monthly allowance of around €1,100, counting the service towards years of employment and preferential access to public sector jobs.

However, not all young Croatians welcome the return of compulsory service. Some fear it could disrupt their work or study plans.

With the return of conscription, Croatia will become the tenth NATO country to make military service compulsory.

(reuters, max)