Croatia awards 25 new contracts to support Croatian community in Serbia

Croatia's Minister of Regional Development and European Union Funds, Nataša Mikuš Žigman, presented 25 contracts in Subotica on Saturday as part of a long-running program aimed at supporting the Croatian community in Serbia.

The initiative, now in its fifth consecutive year, seeks to strengthen Croatian associations, institutions and parishes through cross-border cooperation with partners in Croatia. Projects focus on culture, education, heritage preservation, religious life and infrastructure development.

Speaking after a meeting with Minister Mikuš Žigman, Croatian National Council (HNV) President Jasna Vojnić described the program as vital for the survival of many Croatian organisations in Serbia.

"Without the support of the Republic of Croatia, many of our associations and parishes would be operating at a basic survival level," Vojnić said.

According to HNV figures, 133 projects worth approximately €3.3 million have been approved through the program over the past five years.

Vojnić noted that many Croatian organisations in Serbia rely heavily on volunteers, face limited financial support from Serbian institutions and often lack their own premises. She said Croatia's assistance plays a crucial role in preserving their activities and ensuring long-term sustainability.

She added that the program has involved 66 beneficiaries from Serbia and more than 80 Croatian partner organisations, stressing that its value extends beyond financial assistance by fostering stronger institutional and personal ties across the border.

Minister Mikuš Žigman said the program reflects the Croatian government's commitment to providing "concrete, strong and continuous support" to Croats living in Serbia.

She highlighted the preservation of the Croatian language, cultural heritage, traditions and national identity as key reasons for maintaining the initiative.

"The Croatian government remains firmly committed to ensuring the continuity of this support," the minister said.

She also praised beneficiaries in Serbia for their responsible management and implementation of funded projects.

Most of the contracts awarded this year relate to partnership-building initiatives, infrastructure investments and programs in the fields of culture, religion and education.

Mikuš Žigman said future support would continue to focus on preserving traditional heritage, strengthening cultural and religious cooperation, and connecting educational institutions, including kindergartens.

In February, the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds launched a public call for proposals under the 2026 Support Program for Croats in Serbia.

The program aims to strengthen organisational capacities within the Croatian community, encourage cooperation with Croatian partners and support projects that improve quality of life while preserving the identity of Croats in Serbia.

In recent years, Croatia has financed numerous projects benefiting the Croatian minority in Serbia, particularly in Vojvodina, through dedicated support programs and cross-border cooperation initiatives. The HNV considers the program one of the key pillars supporting the work of Croatian associations, parishes and institutions operating with limited resources and largely volunteer-based staff.