On November 14, the 108th session of Croatia’s top organization for national minorities, the Minority Council (Savjet za nacionalne manjine), took place, taking significant steps to protect minority rights and promote cultural autonomy.

The session, chaired by Tibor Varga, brought several key decisions. These included adopting new criteria for financing and tendering programs aimed at advancing the cultural autonomy of national minorities. The new regulations will take effect on the eighth day after their publication in the Republic of Croatia’s Official Gazette.

Another important decision was establishing committees to handle the 2025 public calls for proposals. The council appointed members to evaluate program proposals and allocate support to national minority associations. These committees will play a critical role in ensuring the effective functioning of minority organizations and distributing funding efficiently.

For years, the Minority Council has been a cornerstone of the minority public sphere in Croatia. Not only does it decide on the allocation of support to national communities, but it also actively protects the interests of minorities living in the country. Its work ensures that the preservation and development of the cultural and social autonomy of various nationalities remain a constant priority in Croatia.

The tangible outcomes of this session further demonstrate the Minority Council’s strong focus on addressing the needs of minority communities and safeguarding their rights while supporting programs that strengthen community identity and integration. This is especially important in a country committed to preserving and fostering cultural diversity.

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