Croatia to double newborn aid as birth rate decline continues
In response to the decline in births, Croatia's Ministry of Demography plans, among other measures, to double the financial assistance provided for each newborn child and lower the retirement age for mothers based on the number of children they have, reported the Index portal.
Statistical data confirms that in 2023, Croatia's birth rate continued to decline. Compared to 2022, there were 2,000 fewer children born last year, with a total of just 32,047. The Croatian portal reported that this represents a drop of over 5% compared to the previous year.
The government plans to double child assistance
"Although Croatia saw an increase in population by 11,079 people last year, it still does not inspire optimism," noted Index.
The first Ministry of Demography in the European Union plans to double the one-time financial assistance for a newborn child from 260 to 520 pounds in 2025.
- We also propose lowering the retirement age for women by one year for each child born and increasing paternity leave for fathers, said Ivan Szipić, Croatian Minister of Demography.
The demographic crisis is among the most critical issues raised in Croatia's public debate. The problem led to the government's creation of the Ministry of Demography in April of this year. Data from Croatia's statistical office shows that the country's population began to decline in 1991 when it was 4.8 million. By 2021, the population had shrunk by around 900,000. - Jakub Bawołek
