Croatia to Reintroduce 2-Month Mandatory Military Service

Croatia will restart a two-month mandatory military service as of January 1, announced Defense Minister Ivan Anusic on Thursday. The decision comes amid escalating tensions in Europe due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and increased military activities in the Balkans, which experienced severe conflict in the 1990s. Croatia had suspended conscription in 2008 in favor of a volunteer-based system.

Anusic emphasized that "the modernization and equipment of the Armed Forces is proceeding as planned and in accordance with the agreement with our allies and the NATO leadership," assuring that there will be no budget cuts in this sector. Other European countries are also considering or have already reinstated compulsory military service due to similar security concerns. Latvia reintroduced conscription last year, and Serbia, Croatia's main rival in the Balkans, is similarly considering it. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)