Croatia Reinstates Military Service

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Croatia’s parliament voted to reinstate compulsory military service for the first time since 2008, signaling Europe’s growing alarm over Russian aggression threatening the continent’s security.

Story Highlights

Croatia reinstates mandatory two-month military service starting 2026 after 17-year suspension
Decision directly responds to Russia’s Ukraine invasion and rising Balkan tensions
Young men required to serve while women exempt but can volunteer for civilian roles
Follows similar moves by Lithuania, Sweden, and France to strengthen defense capabilities

Parliament Acts on National Security Concerns

Croatia’s parliament approved the reintroduction of compulsory military service on October 24, 2025, marking a decisive shift from the volunteer-only system adopted in 2008. The two-month training program will begin in 2026, requiring young men to undergo basic military preparation while offering civilian service alternatives for conscientious objectors. Defense Minister Ivan Anusic advocated for swift implementation, citing escalating regional threats that demand immediate action to bolster national readiness.

EU nation introduces military service amid fears over Russian aggression

Croatia's parliament has voted to reintroduce compulsory military service, a decision made on Friday by the EU and NATO member state.

This move reflects heightened European tensions following Russia's… pic.twitter.com/lm4iiqSlMt

— Mike Alderson FRSA (@OpenEyeComms) October 26, 2025

Regional Security Crisis Drives Policy Reversal

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine fundamentally altered Europe’s security landscape, prompting Croatia and neighboring nations to reassess their defense postures. The ongoing conflict has intensified an arms race throughout the Balkans, creating instability that directly threatens regional peace. Croatia’s NATO membership since 2009 reinforces its commitment to collective defense, making military preparedness essential for both national security and alliance obligations within the broader strategic framework.

European Conscription Trend Emerges

Croatia joins a growing list of European nations reinstating military service in response to Russian aggression. Lithuania restored conscription in 2015, followed by Sweden in 2017 and France in 2019, demonstrating a continent-wide recognition of evolving security challenges. This coordinated approach reflects strategic analysts’ assessment that European nations must strengthen their defense capabilities to deter further Russian expansion and maintain regional stability against authoritarian threats.

Implementation Timeline and Training Framework

The Croatian Ministry of Defense is finalizing comprehensive training programs while preparing to conduct medical examinations for the first conscripts by year’s end 2025. The structured two-month service will provide essential military skills and discipline to young citizens, fostering national cohesion during uncertain times.

Croatia’s decision reflects the harsh reality that European nations can no longer rely solely on volunteer forces when facing existential threats from expansionist regimes. This policy shift demonstrates how responsible governments prioritize national security over political convenience, ensuring their citizens possess the skills and mindset necessary to defend constitutional freedoms and democratic values against authoritarian aggression.