Croatia earmarks €2.2 million for Croatian national minority programs

For 2026 Croatia has secured €2.2 million for supporting projects and programs of Croatian national minorities in 12 European countries. The Central State Office for Croats Abroad has announced a public tender for the application of these projects and programs to which minority organizations (associations, foundations, institutions, religious communities) can apply by March 16th.

According to the Central State Office for Croats Abroad priority can be given to programs and projects in culture, education and science, as well as sports, tourism and other areas that are of interest for preserving national identity and strengthening the position of the Croatian minority community abroad and developing relations with the homeland.

Since the total available amount is the same as last year, the amounts intended for minority organizations in individual countries are also the same. The largest amount, €625,000, has been earmarked for Croatian national minority organizations in Serbia, followed by those in Slovenia (€325,000), Austria and Hungary (€275,000 each) and Montenegro (€200,000). Minority organizations from Romania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Italy, or their programs and projects, have been allocated €85,000 each, while those from Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria will receive €60,000, €55,000 and €40,000 respectively.

Unlike last year, when the minimum amount of financial support per project or program was €400, this year’s minimum has been raised to €500. Each applicant can submit a maximum of two applications to the public tender, which is available to download on the website of the Central State Office for Croats Abroad.

Source: HRT