Croatia’s parliament voted to reintroduce conscription on Friday – partly due to security concerns sparked by Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
As per AFP, the initiative – which would see 18,000 men enlist each year for two months of training annually as they turn 18 – is expected to start next year.
“We are seeing a rise in various types of threats... that demand swift and effective action from the broader community,” Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anusic told lawmakers.
“In the face of any threat, defending the country is crucial,” he added.
Croatia, which is the only Western Balkan country to have EU membership, scrapped conscription in 2008, a year before joining NATO.
The law exempts women from military service and makes exceptions for conscientious objectors, who would instead serve in a civil role – for example, by training to join emergency response teams – for three to four months rather than two.
Military conscripts will receive 1,100 euros ($1,280) a month for their service, with those who choose to serve in a civil capacity receiving less. Military conscripts are also to receive preference when applying for jobs at government institutions after their service.
Croatia is not alone in seeing mandatory military service as a potential deterrent to Russian aggression. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said last week that conscription could be re-introduced as soon as next year.