British News Agency

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic announced that €36 million in support will be provided to the Croatian community in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Plenković said 600 contracts were presented at the Franciscan School Sisters of Christ the King Monastery in Bijelo Polje, near Mostar.

Under the contracts, projects aimed at encouraging the return of Croats to Bosnia and Herzegovina and improving their quality of life will be financed.

The support program will also allocate resources to projects for the social development of local communities, as well as the construction and renovation of sports facilities. Various projects concerning the Croatian community in Bosnia and Herzegovina will also be supported.

Plenkovic emphasized that supporting Croats living outside Croatia is a strategic goal and responsibility of the government.

Plenkovic announced that the budget of the Central State Office for Croats Abroad has increased from €16 million to €200 million over the past 10 years.

Prime Minister Plenkovic also stated that since the beginning of his term, approximately €700 million in total has been invested, within the remit of all ministries, in projects supporting Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Plenkovic congratulated the contract recipients and said they look forward to the implementation of the projects and the continuation of cooperation in the future.