Croatia is set to reintroduce a two-month compulsory military service beginning on January 1 next year, as announced by the country’s Defense Minister Ivan Anusic on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
This decision comes in the midst of increased tensions in Europe following Russian aggression towards Ukraine and a rise in military activities in the Balkans, which experienced a violent conflict in the 1990s.
Watch: Which countries have compulsory military service?
This move signifies a return to conscription, which was previously halted in 2008 when Croatia transitioned to a volunteer-based system.
“We have raised the salaries of soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and officers, improving their material benefits not only in terms of personal income but also through daily allowances and all other entitlements,” stated Minister Anusic in an interview with Croatian broadcaster RTL on August 16, 2024.
“The modernization and equipping of the Armed Forces are progressing as planned and in alignment with our allies and NATO leadership,” added the Minister, emphasizing that there will be no budget cuts in this area.
Several other European countries are also contemplating similar actions or have already reinstated mandatory military service in response to escalating regional tensions.
Last year, Latvia reintroduced military conscription in reaction to the threat posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Serbia, Croatia’s main rival in the Balkans, is also considering reactivating conscription.
