On the second day of the official visit to Montenegro, on March 27, 2025, the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, met with members of the Croatian community and participated in a meeting with members of the Croatian-Montenegrin Business Club. These meetings highlighted the importance of preserving the identity of Croats in Montenegro and strengthening economic ties between the two countries.​

The Position of Croats in Montenegro

Croats in Montenegro, although few in number, have a rich history and significant cultural heritage. According to the latest census of 2011, there are 6,021 Croats living in Montenegro, which makes up about 0.97% of the total population. The largest concentration of Croats is in the Bay of Kotor, especially in the municipalities of Tivat, Kotor and Herceg Novi. Despite the decrease in the number of Croats over the past decades, their presence is still visible through cultural manifestations, preservation of tradition and active participation in Montenegro's social life.​

Meeting with the Croatian Community

During the meeting with members of the Croatian community, President Milanović emphasized the importance of preserving the identity and culture of Croats in Montenegro. He stressed that the Croatian community in Montenegro is in the most stable situation compared to other Croatian minorities in neighboring countries. This stability stems from long-standing coexistence, mutual respect and the integration of Croats into Montenegrin society. The President also expressed his satisfaction that Croats in Montenegro actively contribute to preserving cultural heritage and promoting the Croatian language.​

Croatian National Council and Cultural Activities

A key role in preserving the identity of Croats in Montenegro is played by the Croatian National Council (HNV) based in Tivat. The HNV represents the Croatian national minority in the areas of official language use, education, information and culture. The President of the HNV, Zvonimir Deković, pointed out that the Council provides scholarships to students, supports cultural projects and cooperates with other associations in preserving Croatian heritage. One of the significant projects is Radio Dux, a minority radio station that broadcasts a program in the Croatian language, promoting culture and informing Croats in Montenegro.​

Croatian-Montenegrin Business Club

At the meeting with members of the Croatian-Montenegrin Business Club, the discussion focused on strengthening economic cooperation between Croatia and Montenegro. According to available data, the trade exchange between the two countries in 2024 amounted to 382.8 million euros, with Croatia achieving a surplus of 364.4 million euros. These indicators point to a strong economic connection, and the members of the Business Club emphasized the need for further improvement of cooperation, especially in the sectors of tourism, energy and infrastructure.​

Education and Language

Preserving the Croatian language and culture among young people is of utmost importance for the Croatian community in Montenegro. Since 2004, classes in the Croatian language and culture have been held in Kotor and Tivat, organized by the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia. This initiative enables young Croats in Montenegro to learn about their cultural heritage, language and tradition, thereby ensuring continuity and preservation of identity.​

Political Participation

Croats in Montenegro actively participate in the political life of the country. The Croatian Civic Initiative (HGI) is the first political party with a Croatian national character, and its president, Adrijan Vuksanović, is a member of the Parliament of Montenegro. The participation of Croats in political life enables them to articulate their interests, participate in decision-making and contribute to the development of Montenegrin society.​

Cultural Heritage and Tourism

The Bay of Kotor, a region with the largest concentration of Croats in Montenegro, is known for its rich cultural heritage. Cities like Kotor and Tivat exude history, architecture and tradition that attract numerous tourists. Croatian cultural associations actively participate in organizing events, festivals and exhibitions that promote Croatian culture and customs. These activities not only enrich Montenegro's cultural scene but also strengthen ties between Croatia and Montenegro through tourism and cultural exchange.​

Cultural Heritage and Tourism

The Bay of Kotor, a region with the largest concentration of Croats in Montenegro, is known for its rich cultural heritage, deeply imbued with history and a tradition that goes back centuries. Cities such as Kotor, Tivat and Herceg Novi preserve architectural gems of Venetian style, churches, museums and other cultural landmarks that testify to the presence of the Croatian people in that area. The Croatian community in Montenegro actively participates in preserving this heritage through various cultural manifestations, traditional celebrations, art colonies and musical events.

Special importance is given to traditional festivities such as the Bokel Navy, which is inscribed on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage, and in which Croats play an important role. The Croatian Civic Initiative association and numerous cultural societies often collaborate on projects that nurture the Croatian language, customs and identity, while simultaneously promoting tourism based on an authentic experience of local culture. The connection between culture and tourism is especially visible in the organization of summer events that bring together visitors from the entire region, including a large number of tourists from Croatia.

The accommodation capacities in Tivat and Kotor meet high standards of guests who want to experience a blend of Mediterranean nature and rich history. Many hotels, private apartments and traditional houses are arranged in accordance with the local style and represent an attractive offer for tourists seeking an authentic atmosphere. In recent years, interest in rural and cultural tourism has been growing, and the Croatian community also contributes to the development of eno-gastronomic offerings through the promotion of traditional cuisine and local specialties.