The first group of 800 recruits will begin training as security concerns grow in Europe.
Croatia will reintroduce mandatory military service for the first time in 17 years, with 800 recruits set to begin basic training next week.
The move follows amendments to the country’s defense law last year and reflects broader efforts across Europe to strengthen security amid rising tensions with Russia.
The two-month training program run by the Croatian Armed Forces will include survival skills, self-defense, first aid and drone operation.Conscripts will receive a monthly allowance of about €1,100, credit toward their work records and preferential access to public-sector jobs.
Croatia is thee tenth NATO member to have conscription after countries including Finland, Sweden, Turkey and Greece. Officials say about 4,000 recruits will be called up each year as part of the new system.
The proximity of the war in Ukraine prompted the move with only Hungary separating Croatia from the conflict.
“The situation in Croatia and all around our neighborhood was stable. Right now, it’s completely different,” Croatia’s Defense Minister, Ivan Anusic told the BBC.
“For four years now, we’ve been looking at not just the Russian aggression in Ukraine, but the proxies of Russia all around Europe doing their jobs.”
Neighbor Slovenia may follow. The largest opposition party has been pushing a return to conscription ahead of parliamentary elections.
Serbia’s president, Aleksandar Vucic, has announced that military service will return within the next 12 months as it significantly increased military spending.
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