Imagine being 27 years old, with a good job, a mortgage for an apartment, a wife, and two children, and suddenly receiving a call-up to mandatory military service with a compensation of 900 euros. This could soon become a reality for some men in Serbia and Croatia.
Pending some logistical challenges, Serbia and Croatia plan to reinstate conscription in 2025. The decisions by Croatia and Serbia to reintroduce mandatory military service next year reflect internal positioning in a broader geopolitical context, at the expense of the lives and careers of young men.
The world is witnessing the prolonged conflict in Ukraine, now entering its third year, while global events suggest a shift in the balance of power rather than an escalation into a widespread international conflict. A modern military, ready to respond to any challenges, is a key component in sending clear signals of military readiness and strategic determination. In this sense, Croatia and Serbia are aiming to strengthen their defence capacities. In Croatia, military service lasts two months, while in Serbia it is set to last 75 days.
Croatia and Serbia have recently resolved to reintroduce mandatory military service for men aged between 18 and 27 (Croatia) or 29 (Serbia). This demographic often includes individuals with established careers and families. The policy will therefore wreak untold havoc, disrupting their personal and professional lives. In Croatia, those called up for service will receive compensation of around 900 euros per month. Such a sum is wildly inadequate for people with significant financial responsibilities, such as rent or family expenses. It is unclear what will happen to those with full-time jobs, private companies, or people working as freelancers. The decision to enforce military service for this demographic has sparked debate over its practicality and financial fairness.
Some of those who might be called into the military have families, children or partners who depend on their income and daily presence. Being away for two to three months for military service can place a significant strain on their families, disrupting routines, creating childcare challenges, and potentially leading to financial hardship. The emotional and financial toll on the household will be profound, particularly for those who are the breadwinners.
It seems entrepreneurs and freelancers will bear the brunt of this situation. It is well known that both groups rely on stability and consistency to maintain their businesses, retain clients, and provide for themselves and their families. Mandatory military service would significantly disrupt their workflow, likely resulting in missed deadlines or the loss of clients, leading to financial instability. This group of people typically does not have the safety net or benefits of paid leave, making the disruption even more severe.
Additionally, individuals employed full time in the private sector may also face significant challenges. It is still unclear how their absence from work will be handled and whether they will continue to receive their regular salary during their time away. Although the Croatian Ministry of Defence states that individuals will be protected from dismissal during their absence, no concrete steps have been taken to confirm this.
The loss of workers for two months would be an extraordinary cost for large foreign companies. This uncertainty has raised concerns about how these individuals will sustain themselves and their families during and after the mandatory military training period, as the promised compensation is insufficient to maintain their standard of living. Similarly, startup owners are either their company’s sole employee or lead very small teams. Their absence for two months or more will have a significant impact.
In competitive markets, businesses survive by continually progressing, whether through regular product launches, timely project completions, or constant innovation. Mandatory military service may force business owners to pause their activities, giving competitors a chance to take over part of their client base and market position. Re-entering the business world after an extended absence requires additional resources, and regaining any lost market share can be extremely challenging.
In an age when cyber capabilities and technological advancements are central to modern warfare, the traditional model of mandatory military service may no longer be the most effective strategy anyway. Even if it were, it is nearly impossible to train anyone in just two months, or 75 days, to meaningfully participate in any military operations. Military service will not instil “discipline” or teach men independence either. Two months in the military will not fundamentally change a person or solve issues likely rooted in a lack of parental care during childhood.
While the reinstatement of mandatory military service in Serbia and Croatia may be driven by the desire to strengthen national defence and foster discipline among young men, the broader impact on individuals, particularly entrepreneurs, freelancers, and those with established families, cannot be overlooked. The disruption to careers, businesses and family life, combined with the inadequate compensation offered, raises serious concerns about the fairness and practicality of this policy. In an era when warfare increasingly relies on technology and specialized skills, the traditional model of conscription seems outdated and inefficient.