January 15th marks the Day of Peaceful Integration of the Croatian Danube Region

January 15th also commemorates the beginning of the re-integration of the Danube Region following the Homeland War.

President Zoran Milanović released a statement on his official website to mark the occasion:

"This goal was achieved through the great sacrifices of Croatian defenders, to whom we owe lasting gratitude, and with the support of only a few friends in the international community, most of whom had long doubted Croatia’s right to statehood. For the Croatian people, there was and is no doubt: Croatian state law is deeply rooted in the distant past and has never been interrupted despite the misfortunes and troubles that have accompanied Croatia throughout history. The recognition of independence was only a modern confirmation of Croatian state law."

He added:

"Let the troubles of the past be our best lesson, so they do not repeat themselves. The world in which Croatia faced misunderstanding has been replaced by one in which force and the right of the stronger often rule. Just as we were united then in our desire to achieve an independent state, so today we must be united to preserve sovereignty, protect our interests, and ensure peace and security for everyone in Croatia. This is the duty of all of us, and especially of the elected officials and institutions entrusted with leading the country."

The re-integration process was successfully completed exactly two years later, restoring full Croatian control over the region.