"The new year is bringing an old challenge in a fresh guise for the young men of Croatia. In the first days of 2026, around 1,200 of them have been receiving letters informing them that they are being called up for two months of military service. They are the first generation to face conscription since it was scrapped in 2008, the year before Croatia joined NATO."
"Croatia's government became uncomfortably aware that it could rely on fewer than 15,000 active military personnel. Ahead of parliamentary elections in 2024, it proposed reinstating national service for male school-leavers. Defense minister Ivan Anusic said it would help young men change "bad habits" and prepare them for "any major threat." Polls indicated broad support for the idea, with seven out of ten Croatians in favor. Voters duly re-elected the HDZ party, which has now put the policy into practice."
Croatia reinstated conscription in early 2026, calling about 1,200 young men for two months of military service, the first call-up since 2008. The decision responds to perceived rising threats and Croatia's proximity to Ukraine, following a 2022 stray drone incident in Zagreb. The government recognized a shortage of active personnel, fewer than 15,000, and proposed national service for male school-leavers ahead of 2024 elections. Defense minister Ivan Anusic framed service as discipline-building and threat preparation. Polls showed roughly 70% public support, parliament approved the law overwhelmingly, and initial recruitment proceeded with little public protest.
Read at www.dw.com
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