In the parliamentary debate, the agreement on promoting cooperation with the diaspora in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Parliament is discussing several international agreements on Thursday morning, including the establishment of the EU-LAC international foundation and the community of Latin American and Caribbean states, in which representatives see a good opportunity for cooperation with the Croatian diaspora, which is said to be around half a million there.

– This is a framework for scientific, cultural, and economic cooperation, for strengthening ties. There is also a special interest in our diaspora living there, and through the work of the diaspora office, we will strengthen our connections with them, said State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andreja Metelko Zgombić.

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The EU-LAC international foundation is being established as an intergovernmental organization with the participation and contribution of civil society and other social actors, promoting mutual acquaintance and understanding between the two regions. The agreement does not impact the state budget as it does not obligate the Republic of Croatia to provide financial contributions to the foundation, given that it is financed based on voluntary contributions.

– This is an opportunity for a good form of cooperation with the Croatian diaspora in those distant countries, young people who may be interested in coming to their homeland to study… I believe this is not a blank paper and a political instrument for gaining points but an important document for deepening cooperation with our diaspora, and there is plenty of room for that, said SDP member Joško Klisović.

Benefits of the Foundation

Vesna Pusić (Glas) proposes that a special body be formed to ensure that Croatia truly utilizes this foundation.

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– We propose that someone be appointed or tasked with being responsible for ensuring that we utilize this foundation, meaning that information reaches cultural institutions, schools, NGOs…, said Pusić. To the extent that Croatia is ready and able to use these funds and select people and institutions, to that extent, she said, we will benefit from the Foundation.

– It is important for Croatia to recognize the significance of this agreement and all the connections between Croatia and that region where over half a million people of Croatian descent live… Cultural exchange and academic cooperation are extremely important in this context. In addition to the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it would also be good to connect the Office for Croats Abroad and the Ministry of Demography, said HDZ representative Davor Ivo Stier.