Croatia reports rise in births and announces new family vehicle subsidies

Croatia's Minister of Demography and Migration, Ivan Šipić, reported that 924 more children were born in the first seven months of this year compared to the same period last year. Speaking at a session in the municipality of Ružić, Šipić emphasized that demographic renewal is a shared responsibility between the state, counties, cities, and municipalities, with a focus on rural areas.

To support families, the government is launching a new pilot program in September. This measure will provide subsidies of up to 15,000 euros for the purchase of vehicles with seven or more seats, specifically targeting families with four or more children. The program will be implemented in cooperation with the 'Croatia for Children' Foundation.

Šipić also highlighted existing demographic policies, noting that parental support has reached nearly one billion euros. Previous measures include increasing maximum parental leave compensation from 995 to nearly 3,000 euros, doubling one-time newborn support, extending paid paternity leave, and investing over 40 million euros in kindergartens and playgrounds.