Minister Anušić in the Croatian Parliament – First conscripts expected in barracks by late 2025 or early 2026
Amendments introducing basic military training to be released for online public consultation in June; adoption expected by the end of the year
Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić addressed the Croatian Parliament on 23 April 2025 during Question Time, responding to an enquiry by MP Ljubomir Kolarek regarding the legislative framework for the introduction of basic military training.
Minister Anušić emphasised the strong public interest in the subject and reaffirmed that the Government has launched and is finalising the project to introduce basic military training, which is which is set to be completed and implemented by the end of the year.
“As for the legislative process, the draft amendments will be released for online public consultation in June. Following that, they will go through first reading in Parliament, with second reading expected in September when Parliament reconvenes, and final adoption anticipated in October,” the Minister said.
He stated that the amendments to the Act on Service in the Armed Forces and the Defence Act, which form the legal basis for implementing basic military training, are expected to be fully adopted by the end of the year, enabling the programme to commence either by late 2025 or early 2026.
Minister Anušić added that the first call-up notices are expected to be issued as early as this autumn.
Speaking about the scope of basic military training, the Minister provided the following assessment: “The pool of potential candidates includes 18,500 to 19,000 young men who reach the age of 18 each year. Naturally, we anticipate that a portion of them will claim conscientious objector status and be referred to the Ministry of the Interior for alternative service.”
“According to estimates, the Ministry of Defence is expected to take in between 4,000 and 5,000 individuals annually for basic military training. The plan is to conduct five training cycles per year. The total projected cost for a full annual implementation of basic military training is €20 million, assuming an intake of 4,000 conscripts. This number is sufficient to meet the requirements for both active-duty and reserve forces,” Anušić explained.
He also noted that conscripts undergoing basic military training will not be at risk of losing their employment and will be entitled to return to their jobs upon completion of training. Students enrolled in university programmes may defer their service until the age of 29, after which they will be subject to basic military training.
Regarding benefits, the Minister stated: “The monthly allowance for basic military training will amount to €1,100 net. Those who complete basic military training will have an advantage when applying for civil service positions.”
Minister Anušić also underlined the importance of the Croatian defence industry, noting that Croatian soldiers are equipped with domestically produced gear—a trend that will continue. “Our domestic companies will remain a priority across all our projects—those manufacturing and supplying uniforms, helmets, ballistic vests, boots, as well as weapons and munitions,” he said.