ZAGREB, 27 Feb (Hina) – Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović on Friday expressed satisfaction with the fact that, out of more than 700 military summonses issued, only seven young people invoked conscientious objection, highlighting this as a sign of strong interest in military service.

After marking World Civil Defence Day in Zagreb, Božinović commented on the current turnout for military training, emphasising that the high participation rate without conscientious objection dispels stereotypes about young people’s reluctance to defend the homeland.

“I am pleased about this. The government entered this process to train as many young people as possible for military service, and this level of response is exactly what we hoped for. I believe it will dispel the illusions of those who thought young people were not enthusiastic about military service,” Božinović said.

He added that those who do invoke their constitutional right to conscientious objection will need to explain their reasons to a commission, after which they will be assigned roles within the civil protection system.