Labour Migration and Demographic Change in Croatia
Croatia and many countries in Central and Eastern Europe are undergoing profound demographic and labour market transformations. Long-standing emigration, population ageing and labour shortages are increasingly accompanied by rising labour migration from third countries. These developments pose complex social, economic and governance-related challenges that require informed public debate, cross-sector cooperation and evidence-based policymaking.
The project Labour Migration and Demographic Change in Croatia addresses these challenges through research, cross-sector dialogue and civic education. It is implemented by Znanje na djelu (Croatia) in cooperation with THE CIVICS Innovation Hub, and in partnership with ERSTE Foundation. The project explores how labour migration and demographic change interact, how businesses, politics and society respond to these dynamics, and how knowledge exchange can contribute to social cohesion and democratic resilience.
Mapping conditions and potentials for a cohesive migration transition
The project began with a pilot research phase. Historically a country of emigration, Croatia has in recent years experienced a rapid increase in labour migration from third countries following changes to its legal and regulatory framework. The pilot research examined labour migration dynamics, demographic trends, legal and policy frameworks, research, public discourse and the roles of key social actors, including public administration, employers, civil society, media and migrant communities.
The pilot combined desk research with field research and stakeholder interviews or background conversations. Its findings highlighted both the scale of current labour migration and the limited exchange between sectors involved in managing and responding to these developments.
Mapping report & international scientific/expert workshop
Building on the pilot research, the project was continued through an extension phase. One of the central outputs of this phase was the Mapping report on labour migration and demographic change in Croatia. The mapping report provides a comprehensive overview of existing research, data, policy frameworks and practices related to labour migration in Croatia. It serves as a shared reference document for policymakers, researchers, practitioners, civic educators and other stakeholders seeking a structured understanding of Croatia’s ongoing migration transition.
In addition to the mapping report, the project extension placed strong emphasis on dialogue and knowledge exchange. An international scientific and expert workshop was organised in Zagreb, bringing together researchers, public authorities, employers, civil society organisations and civic education actors. The workshop provided space to discuss research findings, exchange experiences and reflect on approaches to labour migration governance, integration practices and social cohesion.
Particular attention was given to the role of civic education and cross-sector cooperation in supporting informed public debate and democratic resilience.