Croatia’s parliament voted today to reinstate compulsory military service to boost its defense capabilities Croatiaamid a juncture marked by the rise of threats in the world and the war in Ukraine.

Zagreb had abolished conscription in 2008, a year before joining NATO, as it relied on the professionals of the armed forces.

However, the Croatian leadership emphasized that the current geopolitical situation requires the resumption of basic military training to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.

“We are watching the rise of various types of threats … which requires reaction capacity and effectiveness on the part of the community as a whole,” Defense Minister Ivan Anusic, of the ruling conservative HDZ party, told lawmakers this week.

“In the face of any threat, the defense of the country is of decisive importance,” he said.

Around 18,000 young people will be invited every year to follow two months of training from the age of 18 from the beginning of 2026.

Women will be exempted, while conscientious objectors will be able to serve a three- or four-month social term by participating, among other things, in groups mobilized to deal with natural disasters.

For the adoption of this measure, the deputies amended two laws.

A total of 84 MPs (out of the 151-member parliament) approved the amendments to the defense law, while 110 amended the law on service in the armed forces.

Those serving their military service will receive 1,100 euros per month, while for those who choose the alternative social service the amount they will receive has not been specified. Those who complete their military service will have the advantage of applying for public sector jobs.

Opposition leftists said the law discriminated against women and those who would opt for civil protection, as they would receive a lower salary and not benefit from favorable treatment for public sector jobs.

Croatia, with a population of 3.8 million, joined the European Union (EU) in 2013.