Croatian lawmakers on Friday voted to reintroduce mandatory military service to boost the Balkan nation's defence, in response to rising global tension and conflicts including Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The country abolished conscription in 2008 a year before joining NATO in an effort to professionalise its military.

But top officials have since argued that international tensions require the restoration of basic military training to bolster Croatia's defence forces.

"We are seeing a rise in various types of threats... that demand swift and effective action from the broader community," Defence Minister Ivan Anusic, from the ruling conservative HDZ party, told the lawmakers this week.

"In the face of any threat, defending the country is crucial."

Around 18,000 men would be enlisted e

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