Croatia is prepared to reintroduce basic military training for conscripts, Defence Minister Ivan Anušić said on Monday during a visit to the Eugen Kvaternik Military Training Area, alongside Chief of the General Staff, General Tihomir Kundid.
“We are fully prepared to conduct basic military training for five cohorts annually, with 800 conscripts per generation,” Anušić said, adding that the infrastructure and staffing are in place.
Under the new model, conscripted military service will last two months, a reduction from the previous six-month term. Civilian service will range from three to four months, and the option to declare conscientious objection remains available.
Conscripts will receive a monthly stipend of €1,100 and will retain their civilian jobs during the service. Their time in training will count towards work experience and offer preferential treatment in applications for roles in state and public services.
“The strong support we’ve received gives us confidence that this project will succeed. I believe interest in the programme will exceed expectations,” Anušić said.
The legal framework for the programme is still pending. The relevant legislation must be coordinated between the offices of the prime minister and the president before being passed by parliament.
“All the necessary documents are now with the prime minister’s office. I hope the laws will be passed before the summer recess so we can launch the programme by autumn,” Anušić said, noting that President Zoran Milanović had been briefed and raised no objections.
General Kundid outlined the training format, describing a regimented daily schedule including early wake-up, physical exercise, morning and afternoon training sessions, and structured mealtimes.
The two-month programme is designed to prepare conscripts for integration into either active service or the reserve forces. Addressing concerns over the short duration, Kundid said the timeline was sufficient and aimed at encouraging, not deterring, young recruits.
