Croatia plans to reinstate mandatory military service in 2025

First calls for conscripts are expected in mid-2025, says Defense Ministry

By Bedrudin Brljavac and Talha Ozturk

SARAJEVO, Bosnia Herzegovina, (AA) - The Croatian government announced plans on Tuesday to reinstate mandatory military service for the country’s young men.

"The Defense Ministry has prepared legal proposals regulating basic military training, as well as other issues related to the implementation of military service," said local outlet Indeks.hr, citing the ministry.

The ministry added that procedures for the law’s passage are expected to begin in January, and the first calls for conscripts are expected in mid-2025.

"The potential is between 17,000 and 18,00 young men who turn 18 every year and who are our future candidates for basic military training," Defense Minister Ivan Anusic previously said during a tour of potential barracks.

President Zoran Milanovic has not explicitly opposed conscription, but said the issue must be discussed at a session of the Defense Council.

Serbia, a fellow Balkan candidate for EU membership, earlier this year also announced a plan to reinstate mandatory military service.

Kaynak: