Hundreds of young people have signed up at recruitment centers in Croatia, after the country reintroduced mandatory military service in response to regional tensions and the war in Ukraine.

Hundreds of young Croats showed up on March 9 at recruitment centers for mandatory military service, reintroduced after being eliminated in 2008. Croatia thus becomes one of the 10 NATO countries that have reinstated this obligation, joining other states such as Greece and Turkey. Approximately 800 recruits are part of the first group, most coming voluntarily, and 10% of them are women. The training will take place in three locations, and recruits will have access to mobile phones, except for use during training. The reintroduction of military service was determined by the current geopolitical context, especially the war in Ukraine. Defense Minister Ivan Anusic emphasized that the security situation has changed significantly.

Also, Croatia's neighbors, such as Slovenia and Serbia, are considering similar measures, which could escalate tensions in the region.

The recruitment campaign in Croatia will continue, aiming to train 4,000 recruits annually.