Croatia to raise retirement age for military service

(Patria) - Croatian Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić stated today that soldiers leave the Armed Forces at 45, and by raising the retirement age to 50, the ministry aims to solve the problem of their livelihood, as they would then be entitled to at least a minimum pension.

- Our soldiers leave the armed forces at 45, which we consider a low age limit.

By raising it to 50, we are solving the problem of their livelihood after leaving the armed forces, i.e., they will be entitled to a minimum or full pension - Anušić said after inspecting the infrastructure for Rafale aircraft at Zagreb's Pleso.

He also spoke about the proposed amendment to the Law on Service in the Croatian Armed Forces, which raises the age limit for soldiers and sailors to acquire the right to leave service from the current 45 to 50 years.

He noted that this issue has been discussed for a long time, and the proposed amendments, which the Government will soon send to parliamentary procedure, aim to provide "higher quality and better care for soldiers, officers, and non-commissioned officers".

- In addition, the Ministry of Defence continues to work on improving the material working conditions of all members of the armed forces - Anušić emphasizes.

The new minister and Deputy Prime Minister also promised at the beginning of his term the completion of the delivery of offshore patrol vessels from the Split shipyard Brodosplit.

- The key is that the realization of this delivery has begun. Negotiations are ongoing, and discussions have been held with the institutions involved in financing and mediating the realization of this major project.

At this moment, I can only say that we have indications that this problem could begin to be resolved in the foreseeable future. I cannot provide specific information yet - Anušić added.