# Historical annexation of Istria to Croatia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/historical-annexation-of-istria-to-croatia
> Updated: 2026-09-25T04:00:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

In September 1943, following the capitulation of Italy, the Provincial National Liberation Committee (NOO) for Istria made a decision in Pazin to annex Istria, Rijeka, Zadar, and other occupied territories to Croatia. This move was later confirmed by ZAVNOH on September 20, 1943. The period was marked by a general uprising in Istria and resistance efforts supported by Josip Broz Tito to liberate the peninsula from Italian and German occupation.

Modern Istria County continues to commemorate these events, known as the Pazin or Rujanske decisions. These historical acts, which rejected previous treaties ceding Croatian territories to Italy, are regarded by regional leaders as foundational to the modern identity of the Istrian peninsula.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-25: Istria commemorates the 1943 Pazin Decisions

Istria County commemorates the anniversary of the 1943 Pazin Decisions, which established the historical unification of Istria, Rijeka, and Zadar with Croatia.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istria-commemorates-the-1943-pazin-decisions

### 2026-09-13: Istria annexation decision and historical context

During September 1943, Istrian resistance forces and ZAVNOH moved to annex Istria and other occupied territories to Croatia, a period deeply reflected in the literary works of Vladimir Nazor.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istria-annexation-decision-and-historical-context

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Cite as: Historical annexation of Istria to Croatia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/historical-annexation-of-istria-to-croatia