New Council of Young Croats Abroad to hold first meeting

The recently established Council of Young Croats Abroad will soon hold its first meeting, with strong interest from young Croats worldwide, Alen Matanić, spokesperson for the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, told the Hina news agency on Monday.

The advisory council, created last year, brings together young Croats aged 18 to 30 from around the globe to advise the government on preserving Croatian identity abroad and encouraging young people to move to Croatia.

“We recognized the need for young Croats abroad to be more involved in policies that affect them,” Matanić said. “In many countries, especially Bosnia and Herzegovina and other diaspora communities, young people showed strong motivation to participate.”

Croatian communities nominated representatives from major associations and organizations, resulting in 65 members being elected to the council.

The council will meet at least once a year, in Croatia or online, and maintain direct communication with government institutions. Members will volunteer their time, working to propose policies and programs based on the needs of young Croats abroad. Their goal is to strengthen ties within the diaspora, preserve identity, and encourage return to Croatia.