“Parenthood is a Plus” campaign launched to address declining birth rates in Croatia

At a time when many young people are postponing parenthood due to insecurity, fear, and uncertainty about the future, the “Croatia for Children” Foundation has launched a new campaign titled “Parenthood is a Plus.”

The initiative aims to open a broader social conversation about why many people aged 25 to 40 delay starting families. Organisers say the goal is not to promote a single view of parenthood, but to address and demystify common fears associated with it.

Foundation representatives say many young people want children but delay parenthood due to concerns such as financial stability, housing, and career progression.

“We respect everyone’s right to choose their life path. However, many young people who do want children postpone parenthood due to fears that are often inherited or not based on objective circumstances,” said Foundation director Renata Gubić.

She added that the campaign aims to show that while parenthood brings challenges, it also brings long-term personal fulfilment.

The campaign also features personal stories, including that of Mateja, who became a mother at 22 and is now raising six children while working as an entrepreneur and consultant.

She described parenthood as “an indescribable joy,” adding that she and her husband had always hoped for a large family.

The campaign is supported by the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Demography and Immigration.

State Secretary Željka Josić said the initiative aligns with broader government efforts to support families through financial measures, childcare investments, and education infrastructure.

She also pointed to research suggesting that many young people still express a desire to have families, with around 70% of respondents highlighting the positive aspects of parenthood.

Officials also highlighted additional support measures, including work–life balance policies, hybrid work models, parental leave recognition, counselling services, and support for adoption systems, as noted by Tanja Žaja.

Local housing policy and education investments were also cited as key factors in improving conditions for young families.

The campaign was presented alongside a panel discussion titled “Is a baby boom possible in Croatia?”, which examined demographic challenges and international examples.

Experts referenced the Czech Republic, where long-term and flexible family policies were linked to a rebound in fertility rates after historic lows in the late 1990s.