ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Croatia will reintroduce mandatory two-month military service from January 1 next year, the country’s Defense Minister Ivan Anusic announced Thursday night.
The move comes amid rising tensions in Europe following Russian aggression against Ukraine and a clear arms race and military buildup in the Balkans, where a bloody war took place in the 1990s.
The decision marks a return to conscription, which was suspended in 2008 when the country switched to a volunteer-based system.
“We have increased the salaries of soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers, their material rights not only through personal income, but also through daily wages and everything they are entitled to,” the minister told Croatian broadcaster RTL on Thursday.
“The modernization and equipping of the armed forces is proceeding according to plan and in accordance with the agreement with our allies and the NATO leadership,” the minister said, adding that no money will be spared in this area.
Other countries in Europe are considering similar measures or have reintroduced conscription in response to increased tensions in the region.
Last year, Latvia reintroduced military service in response to the threat of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Serbia, Croatia’s main rival in the Balkans, is also considering reintroducing conscription.
