Across the world, debates about national defense are taking center stage.
With shifting geopolitics and heightened regional tensions, many countries are reconsidering how they train and prepare their citizens for potential conflicts.
For Croatia, a NATO member since 2009, this has led to a significant decision:
The reintroduction of mandatory military service, a policy that was suspended 16 years ago, according to Digi24.
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The Ministry of Defense announced this week that the program will officially start in January 2025. Young men turning 18 will be required to complete basic military training lasting two months.
Afterward, they will have the option to pursue a professional military career. The first wave of recruits is expected to be called up by mid-2025, according to officials.
Defense Minister Ivan Anusic stated that approximately 17,000 to 18,000 young men are eligible annually for this training. The legislation, which outlines the structure and implementation of conscription, has already been drafted.
President Zoran Milanovic, who also serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, supports the move but stressed the importance of thorough discussion within appropriate forums.
Milanovic’s comments come just as Croatia heads into a heated presidential election, in which he is seeking re-election.
This policy mirrors changes in neighboring Serbia, which plans to reinstate conscription in 2025 after suspending it in 2011. Montenegro, another former Yugoslav state, is also weighing the idea.
For Croatia, the decision marks a shift back to a mixed defense model after years of relying solely on a professional army.
Croatia’s leaders see this move as essential to national security in a time of uncertainty. Critics argue that mandatory service may place additional strain on resources, but supporters point to the benefits of a well-prepared citizenry.
While the return of conscription signals a return to tradition, its success will depend on public reception and its integration with Croatia’s professional military structure.
