Croatia Reinstates Military Conscription Amid Regional Tensions

Croatia will reintroduce a two-month compulsory military service starting January 1 next year, as tensions in Europe rise following Russian aggression against Ukraine. This marks a shift back to conscription, suspended in 2008. Other European countries are considering similar steps to respond to the regional situation.

Croatia will reintroduce a two-month compulsory military service starting January 1 next year, the country's Defence Minister Ivan Anusic announced late Thursday.

The move comes amid heightened tensions in Europe following the Russian aggression against Ukraine as well as an apparent arms race and military buildup in the Balkans.

This decision marks a return to conscription, which was suspended in 2008 when the country shifted to a volunteer-based system.

'We increased the salaries of soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers, their material rights not only through personal income but also through daily wages and other entitlements,' the minister told the Croatian broadcaster RTL on Thursday.

'The modernisation and equipment of the Armed Forces is proceeding as planned, in accordance with agreements with our allies and NATO leadership,' the minister said, adding there will be no saving of funds in this area.

Other countries in Europe are considering similar measures or have reinstated mandatory military service in response to heightened regional tensions.

Last year, Latvia reinstated military conscription in response to the threat posed by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Serbia, Croatia's biggest rival in the Balkans, is also mulling to reactivate conscription.