Hundreds of teenagers report for duty as Croatia reinstates conscription
Background and Timeline
Croatia has reinstated mandatory military conscription after a 17-year gap, with the first intakes beginning in early 2026. The move follows concerns over rising security threats in the European and Western Balkan regions.
Training Content
Recruits will undergo comprehensive training that includes traditional military skills, self-defence, survival techniques, and modern technologies such as drone operation and cyberwarfare.
Target Group and Scale
- Male citizens aged between 18 and 27 are eligible for conscription.
- Approximately 1,200 teenagers have received official letters calling them up for two-month military service.
- There are expected to be three more recruitment intakes before the end of 2026.
Public Reaction
Many recruits have expressed surprise and fear about the new conscription policy, with some describing the experience as daunting.