Croatia earmarks €1.2 million for diaspora return and integration programmes

The Croatian Ministry of Demography and Emigration has opened a public call for civil‑society organisations to apply for non‑reimbursable grants totalling €1.2 million. Projects may receive between €4,000 and €40,000 and must focus on one of six priority areas, including events that encourage return, promotional material about settlement opportunities, business‑networking schemes, cultural or sporting activities that promote Croatian identity, support programmes for children and youths from the diaspora, and exchange programmes for young people up to age 30. Applications are accepted until 12:00 CET on 10 August.

In a related pilot scheme, the Ministry of Demography allocated about €509,000 to 12 towns, municipalities and one county to improve conditions for returning Croatians. Funding covers housing assistance, health and social services, language training, infrastructure upgrades and, for the first time, direct financial support for translating foreign university diplomas into Croatian. Four contracts have been signed with returnees from Bolivia, Chile and Argentina, providing up to €25,330 for diploma translation.

Both programmes aim to reduce administrative barriers, encourage skilled emigrants to return, and strengthen demographic trends in Croatia.