Croatian PM Pledges Funds for Cultural Center Renovation in Montenegro

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković pledged government funds for the renovation of the Croatian House of Culture in Donja Lastva, Montenegro. The announcement was made during his visit to the town, located a few kilometers from Tivat, where he met with members of the Croatian community.

Plenković praised the community for preserving Croatian identity, culture, and traditions. He noted that despite there being fewer than six thousand Croats in Montenegro, their community remains coherent and strong. The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the EU-Western Balkans summit being held in Tivat for the first time, calling it "good symbolism for Croats in Montenegro."

The Croatian House of Culture, also known as the "Josip Marković" House of Culture, will be renovated and reconstructed. Plenković stated that the government will allocate funds in the state budget for this project. The aim is for the building to serve not only as the seat of the Croatian National Council but also for other Croatian institutions in Montenegro, meeting 21st-century standards.

Adrijan Vuksanović, a representative of Croats in the Montenegrin parliament, thanked Plenković and the government for their support. He recalled that the House of Culture was previously at risk of closure. The governments of Montenegro and Croatia signed an agreement last year, transferring ownership of the facility to Croatia. Plenković emphasized that while Croatia is the formal owner, the community are the true beneficiaries.

During the visit, which also included Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, an agreement was signed to continue supporting the minority Radio Dux. The government will provide 75,000 euros in 2026 for the radio station.

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Hvala na očuvanju hrvatskog identiteta, kulture, tradicije i općenito ovako koherentne i snažne zajednice.