Serbia’s government plans to spend nearly €90mn over the next three years to reinstate mandatory military service, with the first recruits expected to enter barracks in early 2026, according to the draft 2026 budget and local media reports.

The move comes amid rising militarisation in the Western Balkans. Last month, Croatian lawmakers voted to reintroduce conscription amid regional and global tensions. Croatia, Albania and Kosovo have also formed a defence alliance, which has drawn concern in Belgrade.

Serbia’s draft Law on the Budget for 2026 allocates RSD3.37bn annually for compulsory service in 2026, 2027 and 2028 – around €86.5mn in total – excluding planned construction works, Beta and Nova.rs reported.

Government officials have long signalled a return to conscription. Defence Minister Bratislav Gašić said in September that the first recruits were expected next year. Military service is planned to last 75 days, including 15 days of field training, with around 20,000 conscripts joining the army each year.

The budget proposal also provides funds for new military infrastructure: RSD30mn for facilities in Pančevo in 2026; RSD597mn for Serbian Army facilities in Priboj; and RSD100mn for new infrastructure in Niš in 2026, with a further RSD200mn planned there in 2027.

Large allocations have already been made to prepare facilities for conscripts. According to the Report on the Realisation of Total Budget Resources for January–December 2024, included in the draft budget law, RSD5.35bn – about €45.8mn – have already been spent for this purpose, Biznis.rs reported.

The first generation of conscripts is expected to begin service in January or March 2026, with 120 rooms already prepared.

Parliament must still pass a law restoring mandatory military service before the plan can take effect. Serbia abolished conscription in January 2011.