Croatians abroad called to propose ‘big projects’ to government

ZAGREB, 28 November 2024 (Hina) – Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, speaking on Thursday at the opening of the Government Advisory Council for Croats Abroad, called on its members to propose “major projects” that the Croatian government could fund.

He reassured them that they are neither forgotten nor alone.

“This is how we build long-term stability and a sense of connection. Through these symbols, people can feel that the Croatian state is present. You are not alone, you are not forgotten, you are not marginalised, and you belong to the Croatian nation – that is the essence,” Plenković said in his opening speech at the third session of the Council.

He added, “It is evident that you’ve made an impact if something substantial remains after you.”

“For example, if the Croatian National Theatre in Mostar endures, we’ll be able to say for decades that we addressed the cultural and identity needs of the Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the support of the Croatian government,” Plenković explained.

He highlighted other initiatives, such as investment in the University of Mostar and financial aid for the Clinical Hospital Centre in Mostar.

“I must also commend Tomislav [Žigmanov] and the Croats in Serbia, particularly Vojvodina, for their idea of building a Croatian Cultural Centre – Matica. This is the type of project that makes a difference: a hub, an institution with dedicated individuals, where people can gather, connect, and strengthen their bonds.”

“These are the kinds of projects we, as a government, want to support, especially where Croats are in the minority, though it does not exclude Croats living elsewhere,” Plenković emphasised.

A New Impetus for Preserving Culture and Identity

Ivan Gugan, President of the Advisory Council, welcomed the Prime Minister’s call, describing it as “a new impetus for all of us” to support the primary goal of preserving the language and culture of Croats.

“Our colleagues are already discussing how they could take advantage of this opportunity for strategic investments. We have already talked about potential Croatian cultural centres in areas with significant Croatian populations, such as Austria and Slovenia,” Gugan told reporters.

He noted that the session would include panels on issues vital to Croats abroad, such as the integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Southeast European countries into the European Union.

“We will also explore Croatia’s role in facilitating this process, and examine efforts to preserve the language, culture, and identity of Croats living in Western Europe and overseas. Additionally, we will address what Croatia is doing to encourage the return of Croats, especially young people, from these countries,” Gugan said.

Two-Way Dialogue

Zvonko Milas, State Secretary for the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, described the Advisory Council as “the best way to engage in a two-way dialogue, allowing us to share our plans, discuss current circumstances, and understand the challenges faced by Croats living abroad.”

He acknowledged that the experiences of Croats vary greatly depending on where they live, noting that being a Croatian minority in 12 European countries differs significantly from being part of the Croatian community in Bosnia and Herzegovina or the global diaspora.

For instance, while Croats in Hungary enjoy a strong position, those in Kosovo face significant challenges.

Milas stated that over the next two days, the panels would address these issues and seek solutions to improve the status of Croats abroad.

“The projects we undertake must demonstrate that Croats – and the Republic of Croatia – stand behind their people worldwide. This is part of our aim to foster a global Croatian family,” Milas said.

Encouraging Return Migration

Zdravka Bušić, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee for Croats Abroad, highlighted the importance of encouraging the return of Croats who have emigrated. She urged the media to report more on “positive examples of Croats who want to come back.”

“I know many who are happy to have returned. When we joined the EU, Croatia was at 61% of the average development level in the Union. Today, we are close to 77%. Across the EU, once a country reaches 80% or above, people tend to see fewer reasons to remain abroad. It’s always better to live in one’s homeland, where there are many advantages – a home, a community, and a familiar environment,” Bušić explained.