The conference Croatian Return Migration and Economic Development: Specific Features and Opportunities brought together Croats from all over the world with a clear message – the return of and connecting with emigrants are the foundation of Croatia’s economic and demographic recovery. Participants highlighted the importance of investment, cooperation and mutual efforts in strengthening the homeland.
In the Economic Center of Osijek-Baranja County in Osijek, the Croatian Return Migration and Economic Development: Specific Features and Opportunities conference was held, bringing together Croatian emigrants, returnees and entrepreneurs from all over the world, together with representatives of state and local institutions. The objective of the event was to underscore the significance of the return of Croatian emigrants and to recognize their economic potential.
The Mayor of Osijek, Ivan Radić, addressed the audience, expressing his satisfaction that Osijek is hosting the first conference of its kind. He emphasized that economic renewal was a prerequisite for demographic revitalization, highlighting that Osijek had been experiencing a positive migration trend in recent years, with more incoming than outgoing people.
Croatian Diaspora as a Bridge to the World
State Secretary Zvonko Milas recalled the recent amendments to the Citizenship Act that facilitate the acquisition of Croatian citizenship, emphasizing that the Croatian diaspora is increasingly returning to the homeland, all the while remaining a strong link to the rest of the world.
Minister of Demography and Immigration Ivan Šipić thanked the City of Osijek and the County for their cooperation and pointed out that this was only the first in a series of conferences dedicated to returning emigrants and encouraging investment. He praised the growth trend of the economy and the return of emigrants, and emphasized that Croatia has one of the most generous pro-natal policies in Europe. Šipić also mentioned examples of successful Croats around the world, from physicist John Martinis to fighter Stipe Miočić, as proof of the global presence and success of Croatian emigrants. “Croatia wants to attract such people, those who can contribute to the development of the homeland with their knowledge and experience,” said the Minister.
At the invitation of the Ministry of Demography and Immigration, on behalf of the Croatian Heritage Foundation, the conference was attended by Director Zdeslav Milas, M.Sc., Ivana Rora, Silvio Jergović and Filip Marinović, which underlined the importance of cooperation between state institutions and organizations that have been, for many years, connecting the homeland with the diaspora, as well as promoting the identity and culture of Croats outside the Republic of Croatia.
Return as an Opportunity
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić stated that the diaspora represents the greatest untapped potential of the Republic of Croatia. “The return of our people may be the last opportunity for Croatia to strengthen demographically and economically,” said Anušić, emphasizing that returnees carry with them values and experiences that can enrich the community.
A similar opinion was expressed by Zdravka Bušić, President of the Parliamentary Committee for Croats Abroad, who said that the Croatian diaspora can significantly contribute to the homeland, both in Croatia and abroad.
Commissioner of the European Commission Dubravka Šuica also addressed the participants via video message, stating that demographic change is one of Europe’s greatest challenges, but also an opportunity that Croatia can seize, thanks to its diaspora.
– With the participation of Director Zdeslav Milas, M.Sc., and representatives Ivana Rora, Silvio Jergović and Filip Marinović, the Croatian Heritage Foundation contributed to the conference, emphasizing the key role of the CHF in connecting homeland and diaspora Croatia, as well as preserving the national identity
Returnee Experiences and Economic Potential
Zvonimir Frka-Petešić, Head of the Prime Minister’s Office, who decided to return to Zagreb after many years in Paris, also shared his story about his return. He stressed that Croatia today offers stable economic and social conditions for a quality life, calling for optimism and faith in the future.
During the conference, several panels were held on the topic of investing in Croatia, returning to Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem, the success of Croatian emigrants abroad, and education, innovation and knowledge transfer. The event concluded with informal socializing and networking among participants.
Conclusion: Croatia Opens New Chapter
The conference in Osijek demonstrated that Croatia is seriously dealing with the challenges of demography and the diaspora, opening a new chapter of cooperation with Croatian emigrants around the world. With an emphasis on return, investment and creating a safe environment for families, the message from Osijek is clear: Croatia is counting on its people, wherever they may be.
Text: Filip Marinović / Photo: Ministry of Demography and Immigration and CHF
