Young Croatian returnees highlight challenges and opportunities at first national gathering

(Photo: Mladi za Domovinu)

ZAGREB, 30 June 2026 – Around 100 young Croatians who have returned from living, studying or working abroad gathered in Zagreb for the inaugural Young Croatian Returnees Meeting, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of building a future in Croatia.

The event was organised by the association Mladi za Domovinu (Youth for the Homeland) in partnership with the Croatian Heritage Foundation and with financial support from the Ministry of Demography and Immigration.

Participants travelled from countries including Australia, Argentina, Chile, Germany and Austria, alongside representatives of government institutions and organisations involved in supporting Croatian returnees and the diaspora.

The central part of the programme featured a panel discussion exploring the experiences of young returnees and ways to improve Croatia’s approach to encouraging people to return.

Among the speakers were State Secretary Mladen Barac, returnee from Germany Drago Jukić, returnee from Australia Jozo Kolakušić, and returnee from Argentina Nadir Ivanović.

(Photo: Mladi za Domovinu)

Panellists agreed that one of the biggest obstacles facing returnees is navigating Croatia’s administrative system. They pointed to fragmented information, complex official procedures and limited coordination between institutions as key challenges.

Drago Jukić said many returnees struggle to understand the system and noted that local institutions are not always familiar with the specific circumstances of people returning from abroad.

(Photo: Mladi za Domovinu)

Nadir Ivanović stressed the importance of learning the Croatian language and becoming familiar with Croatian culture before returning, saying it helps people integrate more easily and feel at home.

(Photo: Mladi za Domovinu)

Jozo Kolakušić spoke about the mixed reactions some returnees receive after moving back. While Croatians abroad are often encouraged to return, he said some are later questioned about their decision. He also suggested Croatian communities abroad have not always developed long-term strategies to maintain stronger connections between younger generations and Croatia.

When asked at the end if there was still room to return, the answer was clear, there was. “It’s never the right time to return, but there’s never been a better time,” said Kolakušić.

State Secretary Mladen Barac said the state carries the greatest responsibility for improving the return process, while adding that broader social support is also needed. He identified slow administrative procedures and institutions’ limited ability to adapt as major issues.

(Photo: Mladi za Domovinu)

The discussion also highlighted the responsibility of returnees themselves. Panellists agreed that returning requires initiative, realistic expectations and a willingness to adapt, while acknowledging that the system cannot resolve every challenge in advance.

Despite recognising existing difficulties, speakers also pointed to Croatia’s safety, strong family ties, preserved cultural identity and growing opportunities as important advantages of living in the country.

The event concluded with presentations by young returnees showcasing business ventures, community initiatives and personal success stories, demonstrating how international experience and professional expertise can contribute to Croatia’s economic and social development.

(Photo: Mladi za Domovinu)

Organisers said the strong interest in the inaugural gathering demonstrated a clear need for a platform connecting young Croatian returnees and those considering moving back.

“Our wish is that the Meeting of Young Croatian Returnees becomes a traditional gathering place for all those who have returned to Croatia or are just thinking about returning. We believe that it is precisely through connecting people, exchanging experiences and open dialogue that concrete solutions can be created that will make future returnees’ journey to their homeland easier,” said the organisers from Mladi za Domovinu.

(Photo: Mladi za Domovinu)

The meeting concluded with the message that the return of young people from abroad represents a significant potential for the development of Croatian society, but also that its sustainability depends on better connections between institutions, clearer procedures and the active role of the returnees themselves.

The organisers announced that they will continue to work on creating a permanent platform that will connect returnees and those who are just planning to return.