Croatia signs university partnership to support new demographic renewal law

(Photo: Ministry of Demography and Immigration)

ZAGREB, 11 June 2026 – Croatia has taken another step towards addressing its demographic challenges with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Demography and Immigration and universities represented within the Rectors’ Conference.

The agreement was signed at the University of Zagreb and aims to strengthen cooperation between the academic community and the ministry in shaping public policies focused on Croatia’s demographic renewal.

The partnership places a strong emphasis on evidence-based measures, long-term planning and broader involvement of society in tackling demographic issues.

Alongside the signing ceremony, the Scientific Council responsible for drafting the proposed Demographic Renewal Law held a session to discuss the next stages of the legislation. Discussions focused on measures designed to encourage higher birth rates, reduce emigration and create conditions that would support the return of Croatian emigrants and their descendants.

Zvonimir Frka-Petešić, Head of the Office of the Prime Minister, addressed the council and highlighted that many returnees are motivated by a desire to contribute to their communities. He said the government would continue monitoring the experiences and challenges faced by returnees through research in order to provide a stronger foundation for future policies and measures.

Frka-Petešić also pointed to economic indicators which, he said, demonstrate significant economic progress in Croatia compared with a decade ago.

Minister of Demography and Immigration Ivan Šipić said demographic challenges require a long-term and systematic approach.

“Demography will not change overnight. It is a marathon that requires time, joint effort and the coordination of all social resources if we are to respond to the challenges of declining birth rates, emigration and migration trends,” Šipić said.

He added that demographic trends influence the future of all public policies, from education and healthcare to transport infrastructure, making long-term planning essential for Croatia’s development.

Šipić also stressed the importance of creating opportunities for young people, returnees and talented individuals who wish to build their future in Croatia.

University of Zagreb Rector Stjepan Lakušić highlighted the role of education, knowledge and legislation in creating favourable social conditions.

He described educated citizens as a country’s greatest asset and noted that demographic trends are closely linked to the functioning of the public sector, including education systems and infrastructure planning.

Lakušić said one of the most important priorities is creating conditions that encourage young people to return, study and build their futures in Croatia.

Josip Faričić, President of the Rectors’ Conference and Rector of the University of Zadar, emphasised the importance of people in Croatia’s future development.

He said the country’s demographic strategy should involve all generations and focus not only on retaining the current population but also on encouraging the return of Croatian emigrants and their descendants.

The signing of the agreement and the continued work of the Scientific Council underline a shared commitment between Croatia’s institutions and academic community to advance the proposed Demographic Renewal Law and strengthen scientifically grounded demographic policies for the future.