Category Archives: Croatia

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Zagreb Memorial

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Zagreb Memorial

A mobile memorial for Roma victims of World War II will be created in Zagreb as part of a workshop organized by the Center “Theater of the Oppressed – POKAZ”.

Designed by artist Antonio Grgic, the memorial aims to preserve the memory of the genocide against Roma and Sinti, allowing the community to contribute personal items for remembrance.

The project is part of a broader initiative across several countries, culminating in a virtual museum documenting persecution sites and educational materials, funded by the EU until January 2027.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Ustaša and Roma

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Ustaša and Roma

The article discusses mass crimes committed against Roma by Ustaše and Chetniks during World War II, highlighting their genocidal intent to exterminate the Roma population using brutal methods such as shootings and burning alive.

It details a specific crime in Križpolje where seven Roma families (38 individuals) were taken by German and Ustaše forces in early 1944 and subsequently murdered on a nearby hill.

The perpetrators were part of the 392nd Legionary Infantry Division, known as the Blue Division, which operated in Croatia and was responsible for numerous civilian deaths and atrocities during the war.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Roma Politics

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Roma Politics

Veljko Kajtazi, the Member of Parliament representing the Roma community and 11 other national minorities, stated on Saturday that he left the National Minorities Parliamentary Group because an agreement within the group—that he would be nominated for the position of Deputy Speaker of the Croatian Parliament—was broken.

Following the retirement of Furia Radina, Armin Hodžić from the Bosniak, Albanian, Montenegrin, Macedonian, and Slovenian minorities was elected as the new vice-president, which Kajtazi argues was against their prior agreement.

He claims this constitutes discrimination against the Roma community, but adds that he will continue to support the government of Andrej Plenković.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Roma Football Club

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Roma Football Club

The Roma football club NK Parag from Međimurje, established 16 years ago, competes in the Croatian football system but lacks its own playing field, which was highlighted during a meeting with President Zoran Milanović.

The Roma organization has organized 31 sports camps for children and youth, recognized by UEFA as one of the best European initiatives for young people. The meeting raised concerns about the slow progress of the Roma community’s integration and the need for concrete support for NK Parag to continue its activities.

Croatia News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia and Croatia

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Slovenia and Croatia

Slovenia and Croatia are collaborating to improve the situation of the Roma community through joint initiatives and solutions in key areas affecting their lives.

Key focus areas include better living conditions, education and employment opportunities, combating anti-Roma discrimination, and strengthening political representation for Roma.

The meeting aimed to foster long-term partnerships and develop concrete project proposals based on the actual needs of the Roma community.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Sentenced

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Sentenced

The County Court in Karlovac has sentenced three members of the Amić family to a total of nine years and nine months in prison for various crimes, including incitement to murder. The family is one of the most powerful and rich Roma families in the region.

Darko Amić received a sentence of five years and six months, while his wife Nada and their son-in-law Ivan Odorović received three years and six months and nine months, respectively.

The case has attracted significant public attention due to the Amić family’s wealth and notoriety, particularly after a New Year’s celebration involving gunfire was shared on social media.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Croatian Roma Festival

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Croatian Roma Festival

The 18th Festival of Romani Song and Dance took place on September 27, 2026, in Beli Manastir, Croatia, celebrating Romani culture and traditions.

The event aimed to preserve Romani cultural heritage, language, music, and traditional dance while strengthening ties between the Romani community and local society.

The festival highlighted the importance of cultural identity and intergenerational connections, showcasing Romani creativity to a broader audience.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Roma Initiatives

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Roma Initiatives

Seven local initiatives in 2026 demonstrated how Roma organizations can empower their communities through education, cultural preservation, and women’s empowerment.

The results of the project “Empowering Local Roma Organizations” were presented at a press conference by the Ecumenical Humanitarian Organization, highlighting activities from various cities.

Initiatives included workshops on traditional Roma cuisine and projects aimed at preventing violence and discrimination, showcasing the importance of collaboration in strengthening Roma communities.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Attempted Murder

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Attempted Murder

A 15-year-old boy in Velika Gorica, Croatia, is under investigation for attempted murder and other serious crimes after allegedly stabbing a 14-year-old classmate and a 59-year-old school janitor.

The juvenile has been placed in pre-trial detention due to concerns about witness tampering and the risk of reoffending.

In several newspapers, the boy is said to be a Rom.

The Roma National Minority Council condemned attempts to stigmatize the entire Roma community based on the actions of one individual, emphasizing that violence should be attributed to the perpetrator, not their ethnicity.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Scholarships

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Scholarships

High school students from the Roma minority who received scholarships from the Ministry of Science, Education, and Youth will not need to reapply for the scholarship if their schools submit the required documentation by October 21, 2026.

The scholarship program is part of the National Plan for the Inclusion of Roma from 2021 to 2027, aimed at keeping students in education and reducing dropout risks due to financial burdens.

New applicants, including first-year high school students and those who have not previously received the scholarship, must apply through a public call for the 2026/2027 school year.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Gypsy Lore Society

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Gypsy Lore Society

The University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Philosophy hosted the annual Gypsy Lore Society conference, focusing on the history, language, culture, and social status of the Roma community.

Approximately 90 scholars from around the world presented their research and discussed various topics related to the Roma community, with some panels conducted in the Romani language to emphasize its preservation.

The conference facilitated networking among researchers and institutions, and included a visit to the Roma Memorial Center in Uštica, dedicated to the memory of Roma victims of World War II.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Gypsy Lore Society

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Gypsy Lore Society

The 2026 Annual Meeting of the Gypsy Lore Society and Conference on Romani Studies took place in Zagreb, featuring Maja Grubišić discussing her research on Romani customary law in Croatia, supported by the Roma Association ‘KALI SARA’.

The research aims to document and explore the historical practices and institutions that have shaped Romani communities, emphasizing the need to view customary law as part of their cultural heritage rather than a justification for practices that may infringe on individual rights.

Grubišić highlighted the diversity of Romani customary law, which varies across communities and is influenced by historical, geographical, and social contexts, advocating for an interdisciplinary approach to better understand its complexities.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Zagreb and Gypsy Lore

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Zagreb and Gypsy Lore

The Romani population has lived in Croatia for over six centuries, becoming an integral part of the multicultural landscape, with scientific interest in their culture dating back to the late 18th century.

Recent years have seen a positive shift in Romani studies, particularly after 2002 when the Romani were recognized as a national minority, leading to increased research and publications on their language and history.

The upcoming “2026 Annual Meeting of the Gypsy Lore Society” in Zagreb will highlight the development of Romani studies in Croatia and enhance international recognition of Croatian scientific institutions.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Adoption yes – but…

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Adoption yes – but…

45 children are waiting for adoption in Podravina and Prigorje, Croatia, most of them are being considered as more difficult to adopt. Children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, but also Roma children: ‘Nationality is important to adopters’.

No comments …

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Threats

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Threats

Davorin Klobučar, a prominent sports and tourism figure, has faced escalating threats, including physical violence and death threats, following a public discussion on the legality of a Roma settlement in Gusto Laz.

Klobučar reported an incident on August 3, where he was verbally threatened by a group of Roma while he was cleaning a swimming area, leading him to seek police protection.

He expressed concerns about the safety of Brod na Kupi, urging authorities to take action against the rising violence and threats, which he believes undermine democracy and public safety.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Uštica

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Uštica

The International Day of Remembrance of Romani Victims of Genocide, Samudaripen, was commemorated at the Romani memorial cemetery in Uštica, Croatia, emphasizing the importance of remembering the suffering of Roma during World War II as part of European collective memory.

The commemoration included the opening of the ‘Amare, amale’ Peace and Friendship Park, dedicated to those who helped persecuted Roma, and highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Roma in education, employment, and public services.

Officials stressed that remembrance must extend beyond annual commemorations to include education and the fight against discrimination, warning that indifference can lead to tragedy, and that the memory of Samudaripen is a shared responsibility of Croatian and European history.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Jasenovac / Uštice

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Jasenovac / Uštice

The International Day of Remembrance of the Romani Victims of Genocide (Samudaripen) was commemorated in Uštica near Jasenovac, with the opening of the ‘Amare, amale’ Peace and Friendship Park for Roma.

Minister of Labor Alen Ružić emphasized Croatia’s support for the culture of remembrance, stating that the suffering of the Roma must never be forgotten as it is essential for a society of tolerance and equality.

MP Veljko Kajtazi reminded attendees of the suffering of Roma during World War II and the importance of remembrance as a responsibility of the living.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Roma, History, and Croatia

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Roma, History, and Croatia

Several articles in the Croatian press about Roma history and the fact that “cigany” is a pejorative term. Some of the historical facts are to be debated … There have been quite a few ammends to Wikipedia that warrant some review.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Kali Sara

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Kali Sara

The Roma Alliance in the Republic of Croatia “KALI SARA” has issued a public call to citizens, institutions, researchers and organizations from all over Europe to propose new personalities for the updated edition of the publication “Traces of Roma Culture – Meritorious Among Us”, which is one of the most important publications dedicated to the preservation of Roma history, culture and identity.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Croatia and Housing

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Croatia and Housing

The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and State Property has announced a public call for financial support for spatial planning in areas inhabited by Roma for the year 2026. The total planned value of the public call is €79,634, aimed at creating spatial plans and technical documentation for construction permits in these areas.

Eligible applicants are local government units with over 1% of the Roma national minority, as per the 2021 census, with a minimum of 20 Roma residents.

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