Knin faces youth outflow and water shortages during Storm celebration

Knin, a town in Croatia, is preparing for the national commemoration of the 1995 Operation Storm anniversary. While the state ceremony draws attention, residents are dealing with everyday challenges. Young people are weighing whether to stay, with some, like Franka Kopilaš, planning to remain in Zagreb, while others consider leaving for larger cities. At the same time, former emigrants such as Kristijan have returned, opening a hospitality business despite limited support, and Gracija Požar has revived a family horse‑breeding operation.

The town also faces basic infrastructure problems. Several outlying settlements still lack connection to the municipal water network, forcing households to rely on water delivered by fire‑department tankers from the local volunteer fire service. Residents report long waits, especially in summer when fire fighting demands increase, highlighting ongoing disparities in public services as the city hosts the high‑profile celebration.