Croatia is poised to reintroduce mandatory military service for young men, signaling a shift in national defense policy as global security concerns mount.
On June 4, the government announced plans for a new Armed Forces Service Law that would revive conscription, scrapped back in 2008.
If enacted, the law will require male citizens to complete two months of basic military service. President Zoran Milanović, a key supporter of the initiative, sees it as a means to bolster Croatia’s defense readiness and foster civic responsibility among the younger generation. The government expects roughly 4,000 conscripts per year under the new system.
For those unwilling to serve in uniform, the legislation offers two civilian alternatives—though these options come with longer service requirements and reduced pay, if any.
The move comes amid growing geopolitical tensions across Europe, with many nations now reevaluating their military capabilities. By reinstating conscription, Croatia is joining a wider trend of European countries seeking to enhance national resilience and prepare their citizens for an increasingly uncertain security environment.
