161 million in 2025 for Croats abroad

For the needs and programs of Croats living abroad, Croatia allocated nearly €161 million last year-37 percent more than in the previous reporting period-according to the Report on the Implementation of the Act on Relations between Croatia and Croats Abroad for 2025, adopted by the Government on Monday.

State Secretary of the Central Office for Croats Abroad, Zvonko Milas, told the Government session that his Office, operating within an annual budget of €35 million, issued public tenders and calls to fund the needs and interests of communities and organizations across all three categories of Croats abroad: Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatian national minorities in 12 European countries, and Croatian emigrants worldwide.

A total of €13 million was allocated to projects of strategic importance. Through a dedicated call for proposals for Bosnia and Herzegovina, €9.5 million was granted to 286 projects. Additionally, €2.2 million supported 234 projects run by Croatian minority organizations in 12 European countries, while €1.8 million was awarded to 141 projects led by Croatian diaspora organizations.

A further €3.3 million was distributed to non-profit organizations, individuals, and vulnerable groups for more than 637 projects, alongside 171 one-off financial assistance payments to socially vulnerable Croats living abroad.

Education remained a key priority, with 2,001 scholarships awarded to students outside Croatia, totaling €3.46 million.

The Government also adopted conclusions on implementing recommendations from the seventh session of the Intergovernmental Joint Committee for the Protection of National Minorities between Croatia and North Macedonia. The two countries agreed to strengthen mutual support for Croatian and Macedonian minorities through funding for religious, educational, cultural, and media activities.