The start of 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark moment for Croatia, with two major national announcements capturing the attention of citizens and observers alike. On one front, the Ministry of Defence is reinstating basic military training after a 17-year hiatus, bringing a new generation of young Croatians into the fold of national service. On the other, HRT, Croatia’s public broadcaster, is preparing to unveil the 24 songs set to compete in Dora 2026—the country’s much-loved selection show for Eurovision—promising a fresh wave of musical excitement as the nation looks toward Vienna.
According to HRT, the much-anticipated reveal of all 24 Dora 2026 entries is scheduled for January 8, 2026. Fans across Croatia and beyond will be able to tune in live on Croatian radio or catch the official Dora YouTube channel for their first listen to the songs vying to represent the country at Eurovision. Tomislav Štengl, Croatia’s Eurovision Head of Delegation, has already stoked anticipation, remarking, “There are good songs and others perhaps less strong, but everyone will find favourites,” and voicing confidence that every performer “has a chance to shine in the competition.”
This musical moment comes at a time when Croatia is also taking a decisive step in the realm of national defense. After nearly two decades without it, basic military training—TVO—is returning, with the first group of conscripts expected to arrive at barracks on March 1, 2026. Unofficial information from the Ministry of Defence (MORH) indicates that between 1,200 and 1,300 invitations for medical examinations will be sent out on December 29 and 30, 2025. The process kicks off in earnest in the second half of January, as medical checks begin at military centers in both Zagreb and Split. For those hailing from farther afield, organized transport will be provided to ensure everyone gets a fair shot.
The invitations, delivered by registered post, are addressed to men born in 2007 who have registered residence in Croatia—dubbed by officials as the “zero generation.” It’s a serious summons: failure to attend a properly delivered medical examination could result in fines ranging from €500 up to a hefty €5,000. Women, meanwhile, are welcome to apply voluntarily at any time, and officials estimate that about 15 percent will take part.
Those who clear the medical hurdle in February will receive their official call-up papers for military service. The first intake reports for duty on March 1, 2026, heading to barracks in Knin, Slunj, and Požega. There, they’ll embark on a two-month program designed to impart basic military skills and crisis-response training. Most recruits will be 19 years old, and the package includes a monthly allowance of approximately €1,100, the counting of their service toward employment tenure, and priority consideration for jobs within state and local government bodies. Each intake is expected to number around 800, with five intakes annually—meaning about 4,000 conscripts will pass through the program every year. Training will be overseen by roughly 80 instructors.
For those with ethical or personal objections, there’s a process in place. Conscientious objection can be declared after the medical examination, with requests sent to the Ministry of the Interior. A special commission is tasked with making a decision within 30 days. If approved, conscripts are reassigned to civil protection units or local government services, and officials say rejections are not expected. Deferrals are also possible for students, interns, new business owners, or others with legally recognized reasons, but only after completing the medical examination.
Life in the barracks is set to follow a regimented schedule: reveille at 6 am, lights out at 10 pm, and Sunday as the only non-working day. The 12th day of service will see recruits take a ceremonial oath, an event attended by family members and marking a significant milestone in their training. Instruction will cover the use of the VHS assault rifle, the standard weapon of the Croatian Armed Forces. While mobile phones are permitted during free time, leaving the barracks requires the commander’s approval. Hairstyles must comply with military regulations, but tattoos won’t be an obstacle to participation. Upon completing the program, participants can choose to pursue professional military service or instead remain in the Croatian Armed Forces reserve until the age of 55.
The formal framework for this new chapter was set in motion when the Rulebook on Basic Military Training was published in the Official Gazette on December 24, 2025, coming into force the very next day. The move is widely seen as a significant policy shift, one that signals the government’s renewed focus on national preparedness and civic duty—though it’s not without its challenges. Balancing the reintroduction of compulsory service with individual freedoms, as well as accommodating conscientious objectors and those seeking deferrals, will be a test of the system’s flexibility and fairness.
Meanwhile, the nation’s Eurovision journey continues to capture imaginations. Croatia’s history with the contest stretches back to 1961, when it first participated as part of Yugoslavia. The country’s most famous Eurovision moment came in 1989, when the band Riva clinched Yugoslavia’s only victory, leading to the 1990 contest being hosted in Zagreb. As an independent nation, Croatia made its debut in 1993 with the band Put and the song “Don’t Ever Cry.” Since then, Croatian artists have experienced highs and lows on the Eurovision stage, with a standout achievement in 2024—an impressive second-place finish. The following year, Croatia was represented by Marko Bošnjak and his song “Poison Cake,” but despite a passionate performance in the first semi-final, the country fell short of reaching the final, finishing twelfth with a televote score of 28 points.
As the date of the Dora 2026 song reveal draws near, excitement is building not just among Eurovision fans, but across the broader Croatian public. The event promises to showcase the country’s musical talent and, perhaps, set the stage for another strong showing at Eurovision in Vienna. For many, it’s a welcome distraction—and a source of national pride—amid the serious business of military service and civic responsibility.
Whether tuning in for the next Eurovision hopeful or preparing for the rigors of basic training, Croatians are entering 2026 with a sense of both anticipation and resolve. The convergence of cultural celebration and renewed national service paints a vivid portrait of a country firmly rooted in its traditions, yet unafraid to embrace change. As the year unfolds, all eyes will be on Croatia—on the airwaves, in the barracks, and, soon enough, on the international stage.
