Croatian parliament backs Week of Croats Abroad

ZAGREB, 26 Feb (Hina) – Parliament on Tuesday backed a government proposal to designate the last week of May as a Week of Croats Abroad, with the formal decision to be adopted by parliament, as the opposition said it must be non-partisan and free of daily politics, and criticised the lack of detail on funding and organisation.

Irena Dragić of the Social Democratic Partysaid the week should strengthen ties with more than three million Croats and their descendants abroad and could become a major annual business forum, but questioned the government’s optimism given that a planned Day of Croats Abroad had never materialised.

Marijana Puljak of Centre asked whether the week would offer a genuine opportunity to connect with figures such as Ivan Đikić, Igor Rudan, Marin Soljačić and Miroslav Radman, who, she said, had shown that Croatian scientists can lead the world if they are not stifled.

Dario Pušić of the ruling HDZ said it would enable visible public programmes. Marin Miletić of Bridge noted that Croats abroad send nearly €6 billion annually and raised concerns about possible event permits in Zagreb.

State Secretary Zvonko Milas from the Central State Office for Croats Abroad said an organising committee had been set up and dismissed concerns about restrictions.

The week, to be held in Zagreb and in the county hosting a session of the government’s Council for Croats Abroad, will coincide with Statehood Day and feature cultural, educational and scientific events.

Milas said the number of young returnees has risen since 2020, 250 diaspora students are enrolled at Croatian universities under special quotas, and a free Croatian-language learning app will be launched.