The Croatian Parliament has officially reinstated mandatory basic military training, approving amendments to the Defense Law with 84 votes in favor, 30 abstentions, and 11 against.
The basic military training will last two months, with the first call-ups scheduled before the end of 2025, and the first recruits expected to report to military barracks in Knin, Slunj, and Požega at the beginning of 2026, according to KosovaPress.
The Ministry of Defense plans to call up around 4,000 recruits each year, divided into five groups. All 18-year-olds will be registered for service and summoned for training during the calendar year they turn 19. Prior to training, each recruit will undergo a medical examination, and the ministry stated it will organize training close to recruits’ places of residence to facilitate participation.
Those subject to conscription may be sent for training, granted a legal deferment (until the age of 29), or exempted under specific conditions defined by law. Citizens aged 19 to 30 may also be called later if they had previously deferred service, for instance due to university studies or professional sports commitments.
Individuals who object to military service on moral or religious grounds will be allowed to apply for conscientious objection. They will then perform three months of basic training in civil defense or serve four months in local civil units.
The monthly allowance for military training will be €1,100, which will count toward the total service period. The civil service allowance will be lower, with the exact amount to be defined by regulation.
Failure to report for service will result in a police order and a fine ranging from €250 to €1,320.
Women are not subject to compulsory recruitment, but may volunteer for basic training, which is a prerequisite for active military service or reserve duty.
