No unnecessary risks in Croatian military deployments abroad

(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Marko Beljan)

The Croatian President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Zoran Milanović, assured new recruits that any decision regarding the deployment of the Croatian military outside the country would be made with careful consideration.

Addressing the 45th generation of voluntary military trainees at their oath-taking ceremony in Požega, Milanović emphasised that there would be no unnecessary risks or ambitious military engagements abroad.

Careful Decisions for Military Deployments

“As your Commander-in-Chief, I can promise that every decision regarding your engagement outside Croatia will be thoroughly considered,” Milanović said. “We will weigh the risks, the necessity, and the benefits to Croatia before any deployment. Our priority is to defend Croatia, primarily within our borders.”

He stressed that these decisions are becoming increasingly complex and that military actions abroad must be justified. “We will not engage in adventurism or excessive ambition. Every decision will be based on careful calculations, common sense, and a clear understanding of the risks and benefits.”

(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Marko Beljan)

The Importance of Military Reserves

Milanović also highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong military reserve force, pointing out that Croatia has not had compulsory military service for 18 years.

“Without reserves, the army cannot function,” he said. “We need a solid national guard, which we are gradually losing. A professional army is necessary, but we also need a well-structured reserve force.”

Investment in Defence

Touching on defence spending, the President noted that while budgets are discussed in terms of percentages of GDP, what truly matters is how the funds are used.

“It’s less about the percentage and more about what we can buy and secure with that budget,” he stated. He acknowledged the challenges of acquiring military equipment, given the rising costs and limited suppliers.

(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Marko Beljan)

A Career in the Military

Congratulating the new recruits, Milanović expressed optimism that many would continue their military careers.

“This is not just a job – it is a demanding and elite profession, both physically and mentally. The strong turnout today signals optimism and faith in the future,” he said, commenting on the high number of recruits present at the ceremony.

A total of 287 recruits took the oath, including 44 women in the regular programme and six elite athletes in a shortened training programme.

(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Marko Beljan)

Dignitaries in Attendance

The ceremony was attended by senior military and government officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Croatian Armed Forces, and key training and command units. President Milanović was accompanied by his defence advisors and military officials from his office.

(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Marko Beljan)

The event marked an important moment for Croatia’s future soldiers, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to a professional and well-prepared military force.