Zagreb - Defence Minister Ivan Anušić presented the 2024 Annual Defence Report to the Sabor on Tuesday, announcing continued increases in defence investment and the equipping of the Croatian Armed Forces.
He also stated that special attention in the coming period would be given to improving the material rights and status of soldiers.
"The defence budget for 2024 has been increased by 22.2% compared to the previous year, and the 2025 budget is set to rise by a further 18.2% over 2024. In this context, Croatia has continued its positive trend in defence spending and, at the beginning of 2025, reached NATO’s guideline of allocating 2% of GDP to defence," Minister Anušić said while presenting the report in the Croatian Parliament.
In addition to continued investment in armaments, equipment, and the modernisation of all three branches of the Croatian Armed Forces, Anušić stressed that particular focus would be placed on improving the conditions and material rights of all members of the Croatian military.
Increased interest in voluntary military training and active military service
Defence Minister Ivan Anušić also noted that in 2024 there was a significant rise in interest in voluntary military training.
A total of 656 conscripts successfully completed the training programme over four intake periods, an increase of 113% compared to 2023.
He added that there is also a growing trend in interest for joining active military service.
The increased investment in the Croatian Armed Forces was welcomed by most MPs, though political sparring over past defence policies was not absent.
While debating the the 2024 Defence Report, MPs described investments in the equipping of the Croatian Armed Forces as a positive step forward, while also warning about a shortage of personnel.