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Legislative bills

Croatian Parliament Approves Military Training Bill Amid Criticism

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Croatia's Parliament is set to reintroduce basic military training, sparking criticism from the Ombudswoman and opposition MPs regarding discrimination and lack of clarity in several provisions. The Defence Committee backed the Defence Bill with seven votes in favour, one against, and two abstentions, while the Bill on Service in the Armed Forces passed more easily with nine votes in favour and one against. The new law introduces a two-month basic military training programme, exempts judicial police trainees from military duty, and prioritizes hiring for those who have completed basic or voluntary military training.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Croatian Parliament's Defence Committee supported the final Defence Bill with 7 votes in favour, 1 against, and 2 abstentions.
  • The Bill on Service in the Armed Forces passed with 9 votes in favour and 1 against.
  • The new law reintroduces a two-month basic military training programme, exempting judicial police trainees from military duty.
  • Unemployed persons who have completed basic or voluntary military training will receive hiring priority for permanent positions in state or local government bodies under equal conditions.
  • Conscientious objectors may complete three months of service in Civil Protection or four months in local government units instead of military training.
  • Participants in military training will receive €1,100 per month, while compensation for civilian service will be significantly lower and defined by government regulation.
  • Ombudswoman Tena Simonovic Einwalter criticized the lack of clarity in several provisions, particularly those requiring "convincing religious or moral reasons" for civilian service.
  • Defence Minister Ivan Anusic argued that the bill complies with the Constitution and the Anti-Discrimination Act.
  • SDP Chair Arsen Bauk objected to the abolition of the Civilian Service Act, which he deemed problematic.
  • We Can! MP Marin Zivkovic criticized the pay disparity between military and civilian service, suggesting that civilian service work should be paid fairly.

Statistics:

  • €1,100 per month will be paid to participants in military training.
  • Compensation for civilian service will be significantly lower and defined by government regulation.
  • Basic military training will last two months.
  • Civilian service will last three months in Civil Protection or four months in local government units.
  • The Civilian Service Act will be abolished.
  • The Defence Committee's oversight of Ministry of Defence procurements will be limited to contracts above €15 million, rather than €5 million.

Sources:

  • Hina: "Parliament's Defence Committee backs Defence Bill, makes some amendments" (13 October 2023).
  • Government of Croatia: "Proposal for the Defence Bill" (exact date unknown).
  • Ministry of Defence: "Amendments to the Defence Bill" (exact date unknown).
  • Ombudswoman's Office: "Statement on the Defence Bill" (13 October 2023).
  • We Can! Party: "Press Release on the Defence Bill" (13 October 2023).

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