Compulsory service in the Croatian army will pay €1100
5 June 13:39
Croatia is reintroducing compulsory military service after it was abolished in 2008. This was announced on Wednesday by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić during the presentation of a new draft law on service in the Armed Forces, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports citing BalkanInsight.
Main provisions of the bill
According to the draft law, all men between the ages of 18 and 30 who pass a medical examination and are found fit for service will have to undergo compulsory military training lasting two months. Women will serve only if they wish.
“Conscripts will undergo basic military training for two months and will receive a salary of 1,100 euros during this time,”
– Minister Anusic said, without specifying, however, whether this is a monthly salary or a salary for two months combined.
During the training, the soldiers will learn the basic skills and knowledge required of a soldier, including handling personal weapons, tactics, first aid and other military disciplines.
Alternatives for conscientious objectors
The Minister of Defense noted that conscientious objectors will have two alternative options for serving the country.
The first option is to undergo three months of civil defense training. Those who choose this option will receive reduced compensation.
The second option is intended for those who completely refuse to participate in the military. Such persons will be sent to institutions serving municipalities and cities for four months without the right to compensation.
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Benefits for military graduates
Anusic emphasized that those who successfully complete basic military training will have an advantage when applying for jobs in state and municipal enterprises.
It is planned to hold up to five recruitment classes per year, each consisting of 800 recruits, which will bring the total number of recruits to 4,000 annually.
Political support for the document
The Defense Minister noted that President Zoran Milanovic supports the new draft law and expressed confidence that a significant part of the opposition will also support it.
“This law will be adopted and implemented quickly,”
– Anušić said.
According to him, the law should go through the parliamentary procedure, after which the first conscripts will be able to get to the barracks no later than January 2026.
Context of security challenges
The reintroduction of compulsory military service takes place against the backdrop of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war, which has made military security a key issue in Croatian public discourse.
In response to new security challenges, Croatia has significantly increased its defense budget in recent years. In 2024, it increased by 22.2% compared to the previous year, and the budget for 2025 increased by 18.2% compared to 2024.
In 2025, Croatia reached the NATO-recommended target of allocating 2% of GDP to defense. This became possible primarily due to the acquisition of 12 new French Rafale fighter jets, for which the country paid more than a billion euros. Croatia is also expected to receive 50 German Leopard tanks by the end of next year.
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