First gathering of young Croatian returnees to take place in Zagreb

The Association Mladi za Domovinu (Youth for the Homeland) is inviting all young Croatian returnees to the first Meeting of Young Croatian Returnees, which will take place on Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 18:30 at Matis Absolute Lounge (Trg Stjepana Radića 3, Zagreb).

The event is designed for young people who have returned to Croatia after living, studying, or working abroad, and who wish to meet others with similar experiences, exchange stories, ideas and contacts, and explore new opportunities for cooperation and personal development.

Participants can expect an evening dedicated to socialising, networking and sharing experiences, along with inspiring testimonies from young returnees who are now building their lives in Croatia. The aim of the gathering is to connect young returnees, create space for new acquaintances and collaborations, and encourage dialogue on the challenges, opportunities and lived experiences of returning home.

The organisers emphasise that the meeting seeks to strengthen a sense of belonging to Croatia among young returnees, while also encouraging the preservation of cultural identity and a continued connection with one’s roots.

With their knowledge, experience and international perspectives, young returnees can make a significant contribution to the country’s social, economic and cultural development. Such gatherings may serve as a starting point for new friendships, projects and long-term cooperation.

As part of the official programme, which will run from 18:30 to 20:00, a panel discussion titled “Here I am, is there still room? From personal stories to shared solutions for the future of Croatian returnees” will be held. The discussion will explore what it means today to return to Croatia, the most common challenges returnees face, and what institutions and society can do to make returning easier and more accessible for future generations.

The panel will feature Croatian returnees, representatives of civil society organisations, and institutional representatives, including Mladen Barać, State Secretary at the Ministry of Demography and Immigration of the Republic of Croatia.

Participants will also have the opportunity to join the discussion through questions and the exchange of experiences. The programme will include presentations of projects, business initiatives, and inspiring stories of Croatian returnees who are already actively contributing to the country’s development through their work, knowledge and expertise.

Following the official programme, networking and informal socialising will continue. The evening will also be enriched with musical performances by Nika Pastuović.

All those interested in attending the Meeting of Young Croatian Returnees can register via the application form.

The project is implemented by the Association Mladi za Domovinu and is co-financed by the Ministry of Demography and Immigration of the Republic of Croatia.