Croatian government designates four projects of strategic importance abroad

New pavilion render (Photo: Federation of Croatian Societies of Milwaukee Wisconsin)

ZAGREB, 4 Dec (Hina) – The government on Thursday declared four projects aimed at preserving national identity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, the United States and Belgium as strategically important for Croats abroad, allocating €1.775 million for their implementation in 2025.

“All proposed projects improve the status and quality of life of Croats abroad, help preserve and nurture national identity, and strengthen ties with the homeland,” said Zvonko Milas, State Secretary of the Central State Office for Croats Abroad.

The projects include the construction of the Petrićevac Franciscan Monastery Cultural and Pastoral Student Centre in Banja Luka, a Croatian Cultural Centre in Ljubljana for the Croatian Societies’ Association in Slovenia, a multipurpose pavilion in Croatian Park, the Milwaukee Croatian Centre in Wisconsin, and the renovation of the parish house, church and pastoral facilities of the Croatian Catholic Mission in Brussels.

Milas explained that the Petrićevac Franciscan Monastery and St Anthony of Padua Parish are key spiritual and cultural centres for Croats in Banja Luka.

The monastery, severely damaged during the 1990s war, was rebuilt in 2018 and remains a symbol of faith and hope. The new student centre, aimed primarily at young people, will provide a space for pastoral and cultural activities in a region lacking such facilities, with €950,000 allocated.

The Ljubljana project will secure premises for the Croatian Societies’ Association within the diplomatic mission in Slovenia, with €650,000 from the Central State Office and €250,000 from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

In Milwaukee, a multipurpose pavilion will be built in Croatian Park, which has been a cultural hub since 1956. The project, proposed by the Milwaukee Croatian Centre, founded in 1932, will enhance the community’s visibility and the reputation of Croatia, with €85,000 allocated.

The Brussels project will renovate the parish house, church and pastoral facilities of the Croatian Catholic Mission, ensuring dignified conditions for pastoral and social life, with €90,000 allocated.

The government’s decision follows the recommendation of the Commission for the Assessment of Projects of Strategic Importance for Croats Abroad, with funds provided from the national budget.