Croatia has brought the issue of demographic renewal to the forefront at the European Parliament, warning that population decline and emigration remain among the country’s most pressing long term challenges. Croatian representatives stressed that demographic trends are not only a national concern but a wider European issue requiring coordinated action at the EU level.
Officials pointed to declining birth rates, an ageing population and continued outward migration as key factors affecting economic growth, labour markets and the sustainability of social systems.
They called for stronger financial instruments and policy frameworks within the European Union to support families, young people and return migration.
The initiative is part of Croatia’s broader strategy aimed at reversing negative demographic trends through housing measures, childcare support, tax incentives and programmes designed to attract skilled workers and encourage citizens abroad to return. Croatian representatives argued that without decisive action, demographic challenges could significantly affect the country’s long term development prospects.
