Croatia to reinstate compulsory military service for young people

Dec 25, 2025 - Croatia has announced plans to reintroduce mandatory military service, with recruits expected to begin training by mid-2025. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance national defence.

The Ministry of Defence has prepared legal proposals to regulate military training, with the first calls for recruits set for mid-2025. Around 17,000 to 18,000 young people will be eligible each year as they turn 18.

Defense Minister Ivan Anushiq said the plan would ensure a steady stream of recruits for basic military training. "These young people will be the next generation of our military," he said during a visit to potential military facilities.

While President Zoran Milanović has not directly opposed the plan, he has called for further discussion within Croatia’s Defence Council. This signals a need for national dialogue on the issue.

Croatia’s decision mirrors a similar move by Serbia, which also plans to reinstate compulsory service. Both countries are working to bolster their military forces in an evolving regional security environment.