Government Council for Croats Abroad holds session

The inaugural Week of Croats Abroad is being held in Zagreb until Sunday, bringing together Croats from around the world.

As part of the program, the first session of the fourth convocation of the Government Council for Croats Abroad was held today, focusing on policies and initiatives aimed at supporting Croats living outside Croatia.

State Secretary of the Central State Office for Croats Abroad Zvonko Milas said the Council plays a key role in strengthening ties between Croatia and Croats worldwide. He stressed the importance of unity, support for Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, national minorities, and the diaspora, as well as cooperation in shaping relevant policies.

Milas said that over the past ten years, various projects and support measures for Croats living abroad have received a total of 815 million euros, including 674 million euros for Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 63 million euros for Croatian minorities, and 78 million euros for diaspora communities.

Speaker of Parliament Gordan Jandroković said the strong turnout at the gathering reflects the deep connections between Croats in the homeland and abroad. He paid tribute to members of the diaspora who took part in defending Croatia during the Homeland War, including those who lost their lives.

Jandroković also emphasized the importance of preserving unity and maintaining strong ties between Croatia and Croat communities around the world.

The chair of the constituent session, Dubravka Sidonija Šuto, also addressed participants.

"This gathering confirms the unbreakable bond between the Republic of Croatia and the Croat people living outside the homeland. No matter where they live, Croats are connected through a shared identity, the Croatian language, culture, history, and a sense of belonging to the Croatian nation," she said.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković described the Council as an important institutional framework for dialogue and cooperation with Croats abroad. He highlighted efforts to strengthen Croatian identity among diaspora communities and underlined the importance of preserving cultural heritage beyond Croatia's borders.