Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia: Open Doors Day for Croatian Diaspora and Croatian Minority Communities Abroad

The President of the Republic of Croatia proclaimed 21st July Open Doors Day for Croatian Diaspora and Croatian Minority Communities Abroad. At the event, the President stressed the importance of connecting emigrants with the Homeland and creating the conditions for their return as well as their full integration into Croatian society. The President said in her speech that Croatians around the world have always felt a part of their Homeland and it was no different during the crucial years of creating, defending and liberating the Croatian Homeland. She emphasised the need for establishing a connection with the descendants of Croatians who emigrated several decades ago, especially with the youth and those who are middle aged and to enable them to visit Croatia through education programs, study and learning the Croatian language but also through a business program. She also believes that it is important to encourage the establishment and work of organisations and foundations for learning the Croatian language and culture in countries where Croatians are a minority community.
She also pointed to the need to remove bureaucratic barriers which make it difficult for emigrants to acquire citizenship and obtain documentation, resolve property issues, invest, start a business and return and fully integrate. She similarly noted the need to establish better flight connections with countries and cities in which large numbers of Croatian live.