Can Croatia stop the population decline?

Croatia is facing a serious depopulation crisis, with many young people leaving in search of better opportunities.

In an effort to reverse this trend, the government has pledged €700 million in 2024 to support returning Croatians, tax relief, and affordable housing.

But will these measures be enough to keep people in the country? Experts warn that financial incentives alone won’t solve the problem, HRT writes.

Jobs and Housing: The Key to Keeping Young People in Croatia

At a symposium in Split this weekend, experts from various fields, including demographers, urban planners, and economists, analysed the causes of emigration and potential solutions.

Young people want to stay in Croatia, but they are dissatisfied with the standard of living. Property prices are too high, and stable, well-paid jobs are not easily accessible – highlighted architect Korina Kučić.

The newly established Ministry of Demography has introduced a range of short-term and long-term measures to encourage young people to stay in the country and to attract Croatians back from Latin America and Australia.

However, it is expected that results will only become visible over a longer period.

Beyond Housing: Fixing the System to Retain the Population

Demographer Stjepan Šterc, an adviser at the Ministry of Demography, emphasised that the reasons for emigration are not purely financial.

General dissatisfaction among young people with the system and social structure is a key reason for leaving. We must improve governance and introduce strategic measures to retain the population – said Šterc.

The biggest challenge for young families remains securing a place to live. Croatia is implementing projects aimed at reducing the cost of housing construction, yet it still ranks among the most expensive EU countries in terms of property prices.

The quality of housing is just as important as affordability. Simply having a roof over one’s head is not a solution, as young people may still choose to leave Croatia for a better standard of living – concluded Kučić.

With significant financial incentives and strategic reforms, it remains to be seen whether the trend of emigration will be reversed in the near future.