Osijek and Osijek-Baranja County launch measures to combat population decline

Officials in Osijek and Osijek-Baranja County are implementing new initiatives to attract and retain young families to counter long-term demographic decline. While the county has lost over 47,000 residents in the last decade, recent data shows a positive trend in migration, with 386 more people moving to the county than leaving in 2025. In Osijek, births increased by 49 compared to the previous year, totaling 774 in 2025.

Key measures include the construction of 206 affordable apartments through an APN project and the establishment of an affordable housing agency. The city has also invested heavily in childcare, building or renovating several kindergartens and playgrounds. To support new parents, a pilot project titled ‘Mama, tu smo’ (Mama, we are here) is being considered, which would provide mothers with household assistance, professional advice, and psychological support during the first three months postpartum.

During a meeting with Minister of Demography and Emigration Ivan Šipić, Osijek Mayor Ivan Radić highlighted local economic improvements, noting that the city now has over 54,000 employees and a 53 percent reduction in unemployment since 2021. The city has also increased newborn benefits to 700 euros.