Social and housing challenges reported in Serbia and Croatia

Reports from the Balkan region highlight ongoing social and infrastructural challenges in Kragujevac, Serbia, and Turopolje, Croatia.

In Kragujevac, a culture of silence surrounding alcoholism and mental health issues persists. Families often hide domestic pathologies and psychological crises to maintain social status and avoid the stigma associated with seeking psychiatric help at the local Clinical Center. This tendency to hide ‘dirty laundry’ is noted as a significant factor in the long-term impact on family stability.

In the Turopolje settlement near Velika Gorica, Croatia, approximately thirty residents living in state-managed properties face severe living conditions. Despite paying monthly rent to the state, many families reside in former stables that lack access to the municipal water supply, forcing them to rely on improvised hydrants. Residents report issues with dampness, inadequate heating, and a lack of basic infrastructure investment by the state.