Agreement signed on return of "Josip Marković" Cultural Center to Croatian minority in Montenegro

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia Gordan Grlić Radman paid a working visit to Montenegro, during which he signed an agreement with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Ervin Ibrahimović on the donation and return of the property - the "Josip Marković" Cultural Center in Donja Lastva - for the needs of the Croatian community in Montenegro.
 
This act represents a positive step in the further development of friendly relations between the Republic of Croatia and Montenegro, as well as a confirmation of open dialogue and readiness to find concrete solutions in support of minority rights and interstate cooperation. It also marks an important contribution to improving the conditions for preserving the identity, language, and cultural heritage of the indigenous Croatian minority in Montenegro. Moreover, it is a moment of significant symbolic value - the return of a building constructed by the Croats of Donja Lastva themselves in 1922.
 
Grlić Radman thanked the Montenegrin side for its openness and understanding of the importance of ensuring institutional space for the Croatian minority, emphasizing that this Cultural Center, in addition to its practical function, holds deep symbolic significance as a place for preserving Croatian cultural heritage and passing traditions on to future generations.
 
During the visit, the two ministers also discussed a number of bilateral and outstanding issues. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of finalizing the agreement on compensation for Croatian citizens who were forcibly detained in camps on Montenegrin territory in 1991-1992, as well as resolving issues related to the ship Jadran, the renaming of the swimming pool in Kotor, missing persons, the state border, and the continuation of the work of the Joint Committee for Minorities.
 
Grlić Radman reiterated Croatia's strong support for Montenegro’s path to the European Union, stressing that concrete steps like today's serve as exemplary moves and standards in fulfilling criteria that are not part of the formal EU negotiation process. In this context, the Minister expressed confidence that today’s donation of the "Josip Marković" Cultural Center will further strengthen mutual trust and serve as a solid foundation for Montenegro’s continued rapprochement with the European family.

Press releases