Croatia’s compulsory military service will cost the state €20 million annually, Defence Minister Ivan Anušić said on Wednesday, as he inspected local barracks in Knin set to be used for training future conscripts. He confirmed preparations for the implementation of basic military training were complete.
“After eight weeks of training, conscripts will acquire knowledge and skills essential for military service, as well as the competencies required to perform duties within any military unit,” Anušić said during his visit to two barracks in Knin.
Upon completing training, conscripts may apply for active military service, while those who opt out will be assigned to the reserve forces, he added.
Training will be conducted in Knin, Slunj, and Požega, covering seven key areas: handling personal firearms, movement tactics and battlefield response, communication, protection, military service, and physical fitness.
The minister announced that legislation introducing compulsory military service should be adopted by July 15, before parliament’s summer recess.
Anušić highlighted the importance of Croatia’s reserve forces in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.
“The Croatian Armed Forces currently have 18,000 reservists, which has been assessed as sufficient for defence needs. Our goal is to strengthen the reserve force through basic military training, with an expected annual turnout of between 4,000 and 5,000 conscripts,” he said.
Each generation of conscripts will cost the state around €4 million, with five generations planned annually, bringing the total to €20 million per year, Anušić said.
He noted that between 18,000 and 19,000 young men in Croatia reach adulthood each year, adding that basic military training has proven to be an effective model for soldier preparation. The benefits conscripts receive during training, he said, will serve as additional motivation for participation.
“I am confident that turnout will be significantly higher than the minimum of 5,000 per year because we are offering a two-month military training option instead of a longer period of civil service, which does not provide the same opportunities,” Anušić added.
Anušić also addressed the security situation in the region, particularly the actions of Bosnian Serb authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I wouldn’t say we are afraid, but we are closely monitoring developments, given that around 350,000 Croats live in Bosnia and Herzegovina today. Croatia is also following political events in Serbia and Kosovo. Considering that NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg recently visited Sarajevo and sent clear messages, I believe neither NATO nor the international community will allow the destabilisation of the region,” he said.
While expressing hope that escalation would be avoided, Anušić stressed that Croatia must be prepared for all scenarios.
“Everyone said there wouldn’t be a war in Ukraine, yet for three years now, a bloody conflict has been raging there,” he warned. “Croatia must remain vigilant, as Bosnia and Herzegovina borders Croatia and is home to a significant Croatian population.”
