Births and Return Migration on the Rise in Brod-Posavina County

Brod-Posavina County in eastern Croatia is reporting an increase in births and the number of people returning from abroad, alongside new measures aimed at supporting families, students and local businesses.

A total of 579 babies were born in the county’s two hospitals in the first half of 2026, 52 more than during the same period last year.

By June 30, General Hospital Dr Josip Benčević in Slavonski Brod had recorded 445 births, an increase of 32 year-on-year. The hospital in Nova Gradiška recorded 134 births, up by 20 compared with the first six months of 2025.

The county is also seeing an increase in arrivals from abroad. According to the Brod-Posavina Police Administration, 344 people registered their residence in the county after moving from another country in the first eight months of 2026, compared with 302 during the same period last year.

County authorities say national measures are being complemented by local support for young families, including subsidies for assisted reproduction procedures and housing loan interest. Eligibility requirements have been expanded this year, with more funding made available.

Support for Students

Brod-Posavina County has allocated €291,000 to the University of Slavonski Brod to support its operations, including the renovation of additional premises and the cost of external associates.

County Prefect Danijel Marušić said the county had continued its financial support for the university through a new agreement.

The county also awards scholarships based on academic merit, shortages in particular professions and studies in medicine.

Monthly scholarships amount to €120 for students studying in their place of residence and €180 for those studying elsewhere. Funding continues until students complete their studies, helping them and their families cover living expenses.

Support for Local Businesses

Brod-Posavina County ranks third among neighbouring counties by the number of businesses and second by the number of employees. It has also recorded annual GDP growth of 6.4 percent, the highest among the counties compared in the report, apart from Zagreb County. Manufacturing and services are the main drivers of economic development.

To further support local businesses, the county increased the budget of its Department of Economy and Agriculture by 15.3 percent for 2026, Marušić said.

In 2025, the county approved and paid out 271 small-business grants worth a total of €706,470.53. This year, it increased the amount available to individual businesses and signed 265 grant agreements worth nearly €750,000 to support business start-ups, development and expansion.

Investment Aimed at Keeping Young People in the County

Education is another priority, with 15 projects currently underway worth more than €38 million. The investments are being carried out with support from the Croatian government and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Marušić said the projects would improve conditions for children’s education and development, while helping create opportunities for young people to build their futures locally.

The county aims to support residents throughout their lives, from birth and education to university, and later through incentives for purchasing their first home.

Marušić said he believed the county’s positive economic indicators would also encourage people to stay and build their lives in Brod-Posavina County.