Croatia Reintroduces Compulsory Military Service

NATO and European Union (EU) member Croatia reintroduced compulsory military service in a parliamentary vote on Friday. the country’s decision to return to the voluntary system in 2008 comes amid heightened military tensions across Europe following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the military build-up in the Balkans in particular.

Details Approved by Parliament

Lawmakers passed the legislative changes in the 151-member parliament by 84 votes to 11 (30 abstentions). According to public broadcaster HRT, the reintroduced compulsory military service will last only two months and will provide young people with “basic military training”.

The Croatian Ministry of Defence stated that the main purpose of this move is to enable young people to contribute to national security by teaching them the basic skills and knowledge needed in crisis situations.

Russian Tensions and the Arms Race in the Balkans

Croatia’s return to conscription comes at a critical time when many European countries are concerned about the spread of the war in Ukraine. The decision was taken against the backdrop of a significant arms race and military build-up in the Balkans, where a bloody war took place in the 1990s.

Relations with its former wartime enemy Serbia have been strained since the 1990s, and Croatia is strengthening its armed forces in this environment.

Practice and the Right to Conscientious Objection

According to the HRT report, the authorities will start calling soldiers born in 2007 for medical checks by the end of the year. Soldiers who complete their compulsory military service will be paid a salary. In addition, young people who wish to exercise their right to conscientious objection will be able to opt for civilian service.

With this decision, Croatia aims to prepare for the challenges in the international security environment by increasing its national defence capacity.