On Tuesday, Minister of Demography and Migration Ivan Šipić spoke at a conference in the European Parliament, where he outlined the measures Croatia is implementing for demographic revitalization. He addressed the Intergroup of the European Parliament, discussing European and national responses to the so-called demographic winter, and emphasized the unprecedented nature of Croatia's policies, such as maternity and parental benefits equivalent to full salaries up to 3,000 euros, stating that no other country in Europe offers similar support.

Minister Šipić highlighted the importance of recognition for Croatia's efforts at the EU level and expressed his desire for increased funding for family support in the Multiannual Financial Framework. He reiterated that demographic challenges are not short-term but long-term issues, characterizing the efforts as a marathon rather than a sprint. He called for a collective understanding within Croatia and the European Union that addressing demographic decline is a top priority, stressing that infrastructure development is futile without a growing population.

The Minister's remarks underscore the urgency of addressing demographic trends that threaten the future of the country. As Croatia seeks to position itself within the broader European context, the presentation at the European Parliament could pave the way for considerations of funding support that aligns with national priorities. By advocating for attention to family support measures, Šipić aims to initiate a broader dialogue on the importance of demographic sustainability for economic and social development.