Croatia introduces new measures to support young families and encourage return migration

New demographic measures, stronger support for young families and incentives for Croatian emigrants to return home are among the priorities outlined by Minister of Demography and Immigration Ivan Šipić.

Particular emphasis is being placed on supporting mothers during the first three months after childbirth through the Mama, tu smo (Mom, We're Here) project, which is set to launch next year in Croatia's four largest cities.

Antonela Leko is among those who have decided to return to Croatia and build a new life. She and her husband moved back from Germany to Osijek, where they are expecting their first child.

"We decided to return and start a new life. Everything seems ideal to me now, and it feels like it will be easy, but we'll see once the baby arrives. This is my first child," Leko said.

With a new baby come new responsibilities. The Ministry of Demography's Mama, tu smo project, which will also be available in Osijek next year, aims to provide practical assistance and support to expectant and new mothers during one of the most important periods of their lives.

"In the first few months, it's important for mothers to have comprehensive support at home, professional assistance, and the ability to connect through an app to all available services and support they may need," Šipić said.

Housing and support to keep young people in the region

Housing remains one of the main challenges facing young families. In Osijek-Baranja County, officials are addressing the issue through the Our Slavonia and Baranja, My Home project.

"We have begun designing more than 52 housing units, including 43 family houses and three apartment buildings, to help young families gradually purchase their homes through rental payments," said county prefect Nataša Tramišak.

This year, the county allocated 640,000 euros for 119 grants to help young families buy or build homes.

Demographic measures also target Croatian emigrants and their descendants who wish to study in Croatia, including in Osijek.

"The university is ready to help with Croatian-language instruction. I have also offered the minister the opportunity to discuss accommodating these students in student dormitories in Osijek," said Drago Šubarić, rector of Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek.

The initiatives aim to strengthen integration, support young families and encourage more Croatians living abroad to return to their homeland.