State Office for Croats Abroad highlights impact of increased funding

Zvonko Milas, head of the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, today presented last year’s report on the implementation of the Act on Relations with Croats Outside Croatia to lawmakers.

Milas highlighted increased support for 28 strategically important projects in 2025, a more modern legal and institutional framework, and stronger investment in young people through scholarships and language programs aimed at preserving national identity. He said Croatia allocated €161 million for programs supporting Croats abroad last year — 37 percent more than in the previous period. Through a €35 million annual budget, the Office financed projects for Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatian minorities in 12 European countries, and Croatian diaspora communities worldwide.

He added that increased funding and incentives have contributed to the return of tens of thousands of citizens and members of the global diaspora.

“When it comes to return and immigration, government measures backed by significant funding have delivered measurable results,” Milas said. “According to official statistics, 13,300 Croats returned to Croatia in 2024 — the highest number since records began. By May this year, around 1,800 applications under the ‘I Choose Croatia’ program had been approved, helping more than 2,400 people find employment. In addition, 500 scholarships were awarded, while more than €1 million was secured for the Croatian language scholarship program for the 2025/2026 academic year.”

He also announced the upcoming “Week of Croats Abroad”, a cultural program taking place across Zagreb County starting on 25 May.