Croatian PM urges diaspora youth to return, citing demographic crisis

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has issued a significant call to young Croatians living abroad, inviting them to return to their ancestral homeland and bolster the nation's declining population. Speaking at a gathering of young diaspora members participating in the "Domovina" (Homeland) Summer School program, Plenković emphasized the urgency of the demographic crisis.

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We would be pleased if some of you decide to return to Croatia and contribute to Croatia's demographic renewal with new enthusiasm and energy.

"We would be pleased if some of you decide to return to Croatia and contribute to Croatia's demographic renewal with new enthusiasm and energy," Plenković stated. He highlighted that Croatia dedicates around 820 million euros annually to demographic revitalization efforts, labeling it the "fundamental and key problem" of the Croatian people for the past seven decades. "This means that we are fewer each year," he explained.

The "Domovina" program, running from June 1 to June 13, allows participants aged 18 to 30 to experience Croatia's natural, cultural, and historical heritage firsthand. The itinerary includes visits to prominent cities such as Dubrovnik, Zadar, Sinj, Split, Varaždin, Vukovar, and Zagreb. Plenković noted the program's richness, suggesting participants might see more in two weeks than many lifelong residents. He expressed hope that the experience would inspire them to return, or even stay permanently.

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This means that we are fewer each year.

Since 2019, the program has successfully connected Croatian communities worldwide, aiming to strengthen national identity, foster global networking among Croatians, and promote cultural and scientific cooperation. Plenković also acknowledged the participants' ancestors, who maintained their roots and connections to Croatia under less structured circumstances.

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You will see more in two weeks than many Croats who have lived in Croatia their entire lives.