On October 24, 2025, Croatia’s parliament made a landmark decision to reinstate mandatory military service, marking the country’s first return to conscription since the practice was suspended in 2008. The move, reported by the Washington Post, Euronews, and Croatian public broadcaster HRT, reflects a growing sense of urgency across Europe as nations grapple with heightened security threats following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a renewed arms race in the Balkans.
Lawmakers in the 151-seat assembly approved the measure with 84 votes in favor, 11 against, and 30 abstentions. The new policy will require young men to undergo two months of basic military training as they turn 18, starting in 2026. Women will be exempt from the draft, but those with conscientious objections can opt for three or four months of civilian service, including roles in disaster response teams. According to AFP, the amendments to the defense laws and service regulations were designed to bolster Croatia’s defense capabilities and ensure the nation is prepared for a range of crisis situations.
The Croatian Ministry of Defense emphasized that the goal is to train young people in essential skills and knowledge needed during emergencies. As stated by Defense Minister Ivan Anusic, "We are seeing a rise in various types of threats… that demand swift and effective action from the broader community. In the face of any threat, defending the country is crucial." The Ministry also highlighted that the new program targets a significant gap: over the past 17 years, approximately 300,000 Croatians have not received any form of military training.
Authorities plan to begin summoning conscripts born in 2007 for medical examinations before the end of 2025. Once the law comes into full effect, the Ministry of Defense will develop additional bylaws to regulate the training process. Each year, up to 4,000 recruits will be selected across five training streams, with the program also adapting to civil protection needs, such as responses to natural disasters, man-made accidents, and humanitarian crises. Those who pass the training will automatically be enrolled in the Croatian Armed Forces reserve, further strengthening the country’s readiness.
Conscripts will be paid a salary of 1,100 euros (about $1,280) per month. While the exact compensation for those in alternative civil service has yet to be finalized, reports suggest it will be lower than that of military conscripts. Notably, those who complete military service will have an advantage when applying for jobs in public and state-run institutions—a benefit not extended to those choosing civil protection or civilian service roles. This aspect of the law has drawn criticism from left-leaning opponents, who argue that the system discriminates against women and those opting for civil service due to lower wages and fewer post-service benefits.
The decision to reintroduce conscription comes amid a period of heightened military activity and anxiety throughout Europe. Croatia, which endured a brutal war in the 1990s following the breakup of Yugoslavia, has been strengthening its armed forces in recent years. In July 2025, the country held a large military parade to commemorate a significant victory from the 1991-95 war. Relations between Croatia and Serbia, its wartime adversary, have remained tense ever since, adding to the sense of regional insecurity.
Across Europe, countries are reevaluating their military readiness in light of Russia’s ongoing aggression. Lithuania partially reinstated conscription in 2015, Sweden followed in 2017, and France in 2019. According to Euronews, the Netherlands and Germany have expanded voluntary recruitment programs, while in the United Kingdom, there is still no conscription or mandatory military service. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius underscored the European debate by stating, "A strong army, in terms of personnel and equipment, is the most effective means of preventing wars."
The Croatian government’s decision was met with a mix of support and skepticism among the public. On the streets of Zagreb, many welcomed the return of mandatory service. Student Luka Budiselic, 23, told AFP, "The army would bring more structure—waking up early, spending less time on phones, and learning things that are very important for life, like survival skills." Manuela Skoblar, 51, a mother of four, echoed this sentiment, saying that military training could help young generations "ground them a bit, help them grow up and accept life as it really is."
However, not everyone is convinced that compulsory service is the right answer. Some lawmakers and civil society groups have voiced concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of the policy, particularly the exemption of women and the lower pay for those in civil service roles. Critics argue that the law could deepen gender inequality and discourage young people from choosing civilian forms of national service, which are equally vital in times of crisis.
Despite these debates, the Croatian Ministry of Defense maintains that the reinstatement of conscription is a necessary step to ensure national security and resilience. The program’s focus on both military and civil protection training reflects a broader understanding of modern threats, which increasingly include not just military conflict but also natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies. By equipping young citizens with a range of essential skills, Croatian officials hope to foster a culture of preparedness that extends beyond the battlefield.
For Croatia, a nation of 3.8 million people and a NATO member since 2009, the return to conscription is as much about sending a message as it is about practical defense. As tensions simmer across Europe and the Balkans, the country’s leaders are signaling their determination to defend national sovereignty and contribute to regional stability. Whether the policy will achieve its intended goals remains to be seen, but for now, Croatia stands among a growing list of European nations taking bold steps to shore up their defenses in uncertain times.
As the first group of conscripts prepares for medical examinations and the Ministry of Defense works to finalize the training framework, the eyes of Europe will be watching closely. Croatia’s experiment with renewed mandatory service could well serve as a bellwether for how other countries respond to the evolving security landscape on the continent.
