The Croatian Parliament has approved amendments to the Defense Law and the Armed Forces Service Law, reinstating mandatory basic military training, set to begin in 2026.
The first recruits are expected to receive invitations for pre-service medical examinations in early December 2025. According to the plan, around 4,000 young people will be called annually, divided into five groups. In 2026, the first cohort will include males born in 2007.
The aim is for males to register at age 18 and enter service at age 19. Men aged 19 to 30 who are of military age may also be called or volunteer. Women are not required to serve but may participate voluntarily.
If a recruit fails to report, the military can request the police to bring them in, with fines ranging from €250 to €1,320.
Basic military training will last two months and will be credited as work experience, with a net payment of €1,100. Employers are prohibited from dismissing employees who are required to participate in the training.
