I'm sorry, but IAW local laws and some pieces of paper I've signed, I can not either confirm or deny I was referring to Croatia.
There were some good cop - bad cop games and after a bit of friendly persuasion, I signed. Currently I have completed 2 sim sessions and there are 8 to go. Good news is it isn't 32 K€ bond, it's mere 28500. Phew!
Are you sure everyone gets a bond like that when they get an upgrade?
Starting last year, yes. Five year upgrade bond was common practice in my company, but until last year it was reducing every month and starting amount was smaller, although one couldn't reallistically repay it until it was brought down to appx 30%. A year ago we've started phasing out certain franco-italian turboprop and pilots forced into changing type, but keeping their seat, would get three year bond, F/Os upgrading would get five year bond. Also bonding one's employees for training provided by the company is widespread practice in our beautiful homeland, with no set limits to amount or length of the bond.