In defence policy, Serbia’s government has agreed to reintroduce compulsory military service, which was abolished 14 years ago. President Aleksandar Vučić hailed the decision as a vital move to strengthen the country’s military readiness amid growing security concerns in the Balkan region. This development comes at a time of renewed focus on national defence both within Serbia and across its regional neighbors, raising broader questions about the future of security in the Western Balkans.

The government confirmed that a working group will be established to begin the reimplementation process. Under the new plan, men in Serbia will be required to complete 60 days of training and 15 days of military exercises, while service will remain voluntary for women. This announcement has sparked a heated debate, with some experts questioning both the efficacy and financial feasibility of the plan. Nevertheless, Serbia’s leaders believe the move is crucial to enhancing national security in an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical environment.

Strengthening National Security

In a statement issued by the government, the primary motivation for reinstating compulsory military service is to ensure Serbia can respond effectively to any potential threats. President Vučić emphasized that the decision was not aimed at fostering aggression but rather at ensuring that Serbia is capable of defending itself if necessary. “It is not our intention to attack anyone but we want to turn away those who threaten us,” Vučić stated during a press conference after signing the agreement to reintroduce conscription.

Serbia, a country with a tumultuous history stemming from the violent breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, has faced persistent security challenges. As an independent state, Serbia’s military structure underwent considerable reforms, culminating in the professionalisation of its armed forces in 2011. However, critics argue that the current military remains underfunded and ill-equipped to handle modern threats, despite the country’s efforts to bolster its defence capabilities.

The reintroduction of compulsory service aims to address these concerns by expanding Serbia’s military capacity. The proposed plan ensures that a larger portion of the population undergoes basic training, thus increasing the country’s ability to mobilize its reserves in case of emergency. However, many have questioned whether the limited duration of service—60 days of training and 15 days of exercises—will truly result in a significant improvement in the country’s military preparedness.

Mixed Reactions from Military Experts

While the Serbian government has underscored the importance of this policy, some military experts remain skeptical. Critics argue that the short duration of compulsory service may not provide sufficient time for individuals to acquire the necessary skills and discipline required for effective military performance. Moreover, the cost of reintroducing conscription is expected to place additional strain on Serbia’s budget, with some analysts suggesting that the funds might be better spent on modernizing equipment and increasing wages for the country’s professional soldiers.

Military analyst Aleksandar Radić expressed concerns over the financial burden the plan could impose. “Serbia’s military is already struggling with outdated equipment and low salaries,” Radić commented. “Instead of creating a system that might produce marginal benefits, it would be wiser to focus on improving the conditions of the professional military, which is the backbone of the country’s defense.”

On the other hand, some supporters of the plan argue that conscription will help foster a sense of national unity and discipline among young Serbs. They also point out that the current system of voluntary service and reliance on reserve units does not guarantee a sufficiently trained and ready force in times of crisis.

Security Dynamics: Tensions and Cooperation

Serbia’s decision to reintroduce conscription is not an isolated development. The move comes in the wake of similar steps taken by Croatia, a neighboring NATO member, which announced earlier this month that it would reinstate compulsory military service beginning in January 2025. Croatia suspended its conscription in 2008, but rising concerns about regional security and an arms race in the Western Balkans have prompted the country to reconsider its stance.

The renewed emphasis on military readiness in both Serbia and Croatia is seen by some experts as part of a broader arms race in the region. Both nations, which have had tense relations since the collapse of Yugoslavia, have invested heavily in upgrading their military capabilities. Serbia recently signed a deal with France’s Dassault Aviation to purchase 12 Rafale fighter jets, marking a shift away from its traditional reliance on Russian-made military equipment. Croatia has followed a similar path, purchasing 12 Rafale jets as well, with half of them already delivered.

These parallel moves have raised eyebrows among analysts who see the escalating military procurement as a sign of intensifying competition between the two nations. Although Serbia and Croatia have refrained from direct confrontation since the end of the Yugoslav Wars, their diplomatic relations remain frosty, and both sides continue to monitor each other’s military developments with caution.

Serbia’s Military Neutrality: Navigating International Alliances

While Serbia has maintained a policy of military neutrality, it has engaged in limited cooperation with NATO through its Partnership for Peace program, which it joined in 2006. In 2015, Serbia signed the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), the highest level of partnership available to non-NATO member states. This arrangement allows for increased military collaboration with NATO while preserving Serbia’s non-alignment stance.

Despite these ties, Serbia has historically relied on Russia for military equipment and political support, a relationship that has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. The recent deal with France to purchase Rafale jets, seen as a pivot away from Moscow, suggests that Serbia may be seeking to diversify its military relationships as it navigates complex regional dynamics.

At the same time, Serbia is a candidate for European Union membership, and its leaders have expressed a desire to balance the country’s traditional alliances with its aspirations for closer integration with the West. This delicate balancing act has been a cornerstone of Serbia’s foreign policy, as the country seeks to navigate the often-competing interests of the EU, NATO, and Russia.

Divided Reactions to Policy

The reintroduction of compulsory military service has sparked debate among Serbian citizens. Some view the policy as a necessary step to ensure the country’s security, particularly in light of regional developments and global uncertainties. Proponents argue that military service will not only bolster national defense but also provide valuable life skills and discipline to young men.

“I think it’s a good idea,” said Stefan, a 24-year-old student from Belgrade. “It’s important to be prepared, and military service will help teach people responsibility and commitment.”

However, others are more critical, particularly among younger generations who have grown up without the experience of compulsory service. Many see it as an unnecessary imposition, with some questioning the relevance of conscription in a world where modern military conflicts increasingly rely on technology and professional soldiers.

“I don’t understand why we need this,” said Milena, a 22-year-old from Novi Sad. “Why should we spend time training for something that most of us will never use? The military should focus on technology, not on forcing people to do things they don’t want to do.”

Women, who are not subject to the mandatory service requirement, but for whom military training will remain voluntary, have also expressed mixed reactions. Some argue that voluntary service should be extended to men as well, while others believe that women should have the same obligations as men when it comes to national defense.

Serbia’s Military

As Serbia moves forward with its plan to reintroduce compulsory military service, it faces significant challenges in implementing the policy effectively. The government must address concerns about the financial costs, as well as the practicalities of ensuring that the 60-day training period produces a force that can meaningfully contribute to the country’s defense. Moreover, the broader implications of this policy shift, both domestically and in terms of Serbia’s regional relations, remain to be seen.

For now, Serbia’s leaders are focusing on presenting the move as a necessary and pragmatic response to the evolving security landscape in the Balkans. As President Vučić emphasized, the decision is about safeguarding Serbia’s future: “We are not looking for conflict, but we will not be caught unprepared. This is a time of change, and we must be ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.”

As tensions simmer and regional actors continue to rearm, Serbia’s renewed focus on military preparedness may well shape the future security dynamics of the Western Balkans in the years to come. The reintroduction of conscription is just the first step in what appears to be a broader effort to ensure that Serbia remains capable of defending its sovereignty in an increasingly uncertain world.