Anušić in Croatian Parliament: Croatia Stands Out Among NATO and EU Member States in the Rapid and Successful Implementation of Basic Military Training
The Minister of Defence Emphasised in Parliament that Croatia and the Croatian People Are Safe, and will Remain Safe in the Future
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić addressed the Croatian Parliament today, 8 April 2026, responding to questions from Members of Parliament Marijana Petir and Sanja Bježančević. The discussion focused on basic military training and the engagement of young people in serving their homeland, as well as the current security situation and coalition partners.
Basic Military Training and Conscripts’ Response
Responding to a question on basic military training, Minister Anušić highlighted the strong interest of young people and the importance of the project for national security.
He pointed out that the response from young people has been exceptionally high and expressed great satisfaction, “Young people understand, and they are willing and ready to serve their homeland.”
He added that other countries are facing political and general challenges in attracting young people to this type of training, whereas the situation in Croatia is significantly different.
The minister also pointed out that the project was prepared in a very short period of time when all legal and organisational frameworks were being established. He underlined that Croatia is unique among NATO and European Union Member States, possibly even as a unique example.
Regarding the training’s content, he mentioned that recruits will have the opportunity to become familiar with emerging technologies, such as how to operate unmanned systems like drones. “These technologies are products of Croatian industry and expertise, and they are currently undergoing intensive development, alongside the expansion of production capacities,” he stated.
In conclusion, he expressed his gratitude to all those involved in the project, as well as to the young individuals who, he emphasised, understood the significance of the moment and their responsibilities towards both the state and the nation.
Security Situation in the Republic of Croatia and Modernisation of the Armed Forces
Minister Anušić emphasised that national security issues are considered in a systematic and institutional manner, through the competent state institutions, in cooperation with the Croatian Parliament and within the homeland security system. He explained that security issues are discussed in Parliament, with the National Security Council, the Defence Council, and with the prime minister.
He said that assessments of the security environment, alongside the planning of defence capabilities development, are based on long-term strategic documents and continuous monitoring of global and regional security developments. In this context, he highlighted that the Ministry of Defence is concentrating on enhancing the capabilities of the armed forces, modernising their equipment, and ensuring their readiness to respond to all types of threats.
“What is crucial is that Croatia has launched a historic process of modernising the Croatian Armed Forces – the first of its kind and of such magnitude. This process will be completed by 2030, when the Armed Forces will be fully equipped and ready for all challenges,” the minister stated.
He added that the Croatian Armed Forces are already highly prepared and capable of carrying out all their tasks. “Croatia is safe and the Croatian people are safe, and this will remain so in the future,” the minister concluded.
