The reintroducing military service in Croatia has become relevant again, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic stated two days ago that several options are being considered, with the country’s security remaining a top priority.
Plenkovic said it was time “to open our eyes and lift our heads.”
“If we lift our heads and move away from our backyard, what kind of world do we see around us? A world where the nuclear power Russia has been brutally aggressing our friendly Ukraine for two years. Four regions are occupied, even Crimea has been annexed,” Plenkovic said.
He also mentioned other global conflicts extending to Yemen.
“Just four and a half months ago, tensions in Kosovo were so high that war almost broke out between Kosovo and Serbia. If we look at tensions in other countries in our neighborhood, if we look at threats caused by illegal migrations. Then one word comes into focus – and that is security,” emphasized Plenkovic.
He added that the recent engagement regarding the procurement of Bradley transporters and the purchase of Rafale aircraft is his message of a secure Croatia.
“In Croatia, we have had suspended military service for over 15 years. You have generations of young people who know nothing about certain skills in changed circumstances. This is not an attempt to reintroduce mandatory military service as before, but in these security circumstances, we have decided to ask Minister Anusic to analyze several options for us. We won’t sleep and pretend everything’s fine while there are crisis hotspots around us,” Plenkovic added.
He announced the organization of a discussion to consider all options related to the introduction of military service.
“We will slowly organize a discussion to see what and how we need it. We asked the Chief of the General Staff about the situation, and where the young people serving in the army come from. From Slavonia and Dalmatia, from veteran families. Do you think Ukrainians looked at the military before 2013 as they do today? Everyone’s perspective changes,” Plenkovic concluded, Klix.ba writes.
E.Dz.
