New law in focus as Croatia targets diaspora return and higher birth rates

ZAGREB, 22 April 2026 – Croatia has taken a step in addressing its long-standing population challenges with the establishment of a Scientific Council tasked with drafting a new Law on Demographic Renewal.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Demography and Immigration, aims to create a comprehensive and coordinated framework for demographic policies across all levels of government.

The Council brings together around 40 leading experts from the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, universities and the wider academic community. Its role will be to provide analysis, evidence-based models and concrete solutions to help shape the law.

The planned law will place strong emphasis on pro-natal policies, improving conditions for families and encouraging the return of Croatian emigrants. It will also seek to integrate demographic considerations into key public policies.

Particular attention will be given to depopulated regions such as Slavonia, Lika, Banovina and the Dalmatian hinterland, which have experienced significant outflows in recent years.

The government hopes not only to encourage the return of Croatians who left for countries such as Germany and Ireland, but also to attract descendants of Croatian emigrants from more distant regions, including South America.

Minister of Demography and Immigration Ivan Šipić described demographic renewal as a cross-party and long-term national priority.

“This is not just a law, but a framework that must unite all policies, be sustainable and grounded in knowledge,” Šipić said, adding that the adoption of the legislation would be a key achievement of his mandate.

He called on experts and the wider public to contribute ideas, stressing that the issue goes beyond political or ideological divides.

Academic representatives also underlined the importance of a unified approach. Academician Davor Miličić highlighted that reversing negative demographic trends will only be possible if the effort becomes a nationwide project involving all sectors of society.

(Photo: Ministry of Demography and Immigration)

The ministry pointed to early positive indicators, noting a reduction in the gap between births and deaths. In the first three months of 2026, more children were born compared to the same period last year.

Government spending of €528 million on demographic measures in 2025 is also said to be contributing to these trends.

Next steps

The Scientific Council will operate through specialised committees, with its first roundtable discussion scheduled for June. Its work will form the basis for a working group responsible for drafting the law.

If timelines are met, the legislative framework could be completed by the pre-Christmas period before entering formal parliamentary procedure.