Croatian cities expand youth council initiatives and projects

In Virovitica, Mayor Ivica Kirin briefed the City Youth Council on several upcoming developments aimed at improving life for young residents. Planned works include completing a new kindergarten building, constructing a third primary school for single‑shift teaching, building a new music school with a summer stage, renovating the energy systems of the Vladimir Nazor Primary School, and refurbishing central city squares. The municipality also expects a financing agreement this summer for a long‑awaited public pool, continues scholarship programmes for students, and co‑funds the local polytechnic. Council member Dorijan Čor highlighted the recent "4DATA DEMOCRACY" forum on data, public transport and youth opportunities.

In Rijeka, City Council President Robert Kurelić held the first coordination meeting with the City Youth Council. The session set a framework for ongoing dialogue, monitoring of the council’s work, and joint planning of activities to improve young people’s position in the city. The council presented its work programme, established internal committees, secured representation in the County Youth Council, and outlined collaborations with organisations such as the European Youth Parliament, the Center for Safer Internet, and Erasmus student groups. Priority areas identified were housing, employment, public transport, cultural and musical nightlife, digital safety, financial literacy and spaces for creative work. Future plans include co‑organising an EYP event in Rijeka, hosting panels with Erasmus students, finalising a youth‑organisation register and preparing budget proposals.