Opcije pristupačnosti Pristupačnost

Projects of the Department of Demography and Croatian Diaspora

Select a project title to view key information and a description of the project.

A Model of Demographic Resilience in Croatian Local Communities: Theoretical and Methodological Conceptualisation and the Development of Tools for Effective Management

Project Information

Project Lead
Nikola Šimunić, PhD
Project Period
2024–2028
Lead Institution
Institute for Migration Research
Funding Source
Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ), Installation Research Projects (UIP)
Research Team Member
Assoc. Prof. Monika Komušanac, PhD

Project Description

The project develops a new theoretical and methodological framework and an interactive geographic information system (GIS) tool for measuring and managing the demographic resilience of Croatian cities and municipalities. Using advanced statistical methods and spatial econometrics, it examines the principal determinants and spatial distribution of demographic challenges, including depopulation and migration. The findings will support the development of local policies aimed at reducing regional disparities and strengthening communities’ capacity to adapt to demographic change.

MORTLAB – Mortality Trends and Projections as Determinants of the Labour Market in Croatia

Project Information

Project Lead
Assoc. Prof. Monika Komušanac, PhD
Project Period
April–December 2026
Lead Institution
Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb
Funding Source
Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb (institutional funding)
Research Team Members
Borna Mažar, MA in Geography; Ivan Nađ, MEd in Mathematics

Project Description

The project examines mortality trends and develops mortality projections for Croatia, with particular emphasis on their implications for the labour market. By analysing mortality patterns and broader demographic trends, it seeks to establish how changes in population size and structure affect labour supply and to identify key determinants of the country’s future economic and social development.

Migration Patterns and Identity: Demographic Characteristics and Potential of the Croatian Diaspora in Sweden (MOI-HŠ)

Project Information

Project Lead
Assoc. Prof. Monika Komušanac, PhD
Project Period
January–December 2026
Lead Institution
Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb
Funding Source
Central State Office for Croats Abroad (public call for proposals)

Project Description

The project analyses migration waves and the demographic profile of Croatian emigrants in Sweden. Its principal objective is to assess the Croatian diaspora as a potential demographic resource for the revitalisation of the Republic of Croatia.

Socio-Demographic Study of Varaždin County

Project Information

Project Lead
Assoc. Prof. Monika Komušanac, PhD
Project Period
December 2024 – May 2025
Lead Institution
Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb
Funding Source
Institute for Spatial Planning of Varaždin County (public call for proposals)

Project Description

The project provides a comprehensive analysis of demographic processes, population structures and migration patterns in Varaždin County. It examines the interrelationship between population dynamics and socio-economic development, with particular emphasis on population ageing and the specific characteristics of local communities. The findings will provide an empirical basis for local and regional authorities to formulate effective demographic and development policies.

CONTEMPORARY MIGRATION, IDENTITY AND RETURN: A Study of Perceptions of National Identity and Return among Recent Croatian Emigrants in the Republic of Ireland

Project Information

Project Lead
Assoc. Prof. Monika Komušanac, PhD
Project Period
June 2024 – June 2025
Lead Institution
Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb
Funding Source
Ministry of Demography and Immigration (public call for proposals)

Project Description

The project examines the socio-demographic characteristics and integration experiences of recent Croatian emigrants in the Republic of Ireland. Its primary focus is the transformation of national identity in the context of emigration, alongside an assessment of participants’ intentions and potential to return to Croatia. The findings will provide a robust empirical basis for strategic decision-making in migration policy and measures to encourage the return of emigrants.

MI (Migration Challenges) – Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Project Information

Project Period
October 2020 – October 2023
Lead Institution
Association of Students and Alumni of the Faculty of Economics and Tourism “Dr. Mijo Mirković”, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula
Funding Source
European Social Fund (ESF)
External Research Collaborator
Assoc. Prof. Monika Komušanac, PhD

Project Description

The project seeks to counter adverse trends in youth emigration from Croatia by strengthening the capacities of civil society organisations and fostering their active engagement in local communities.

Climate Change and Security Challenges (CLI-SEC)

Project Information

Project Lead
Assoc. Prof. Andreja Sršen, PhD
Project Period
2025–2028
Lead Institution
Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb
Funding Source
European Union – NextGenerationEU
Research Team Member
Ivan Nađ, MEd in Mathematics
Project Website

Project Description

Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the project investigates how climate-related risks affect society, security and geopolitical relations. It aims to deepen understanding of these interdependencies and develop evidence-based guidelines for effectively addressing climate and security challenges at local and national levels.

Dynamics and Challenges of Migration, Remigration and Immigration in the Republic of Croatia (DinamiRH)

Project Information

Project Period
1 January 2024 – 31 December 2027
Lead Institution
Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences
Funding Source
European Union – NextGenerationEU
Research Team Member
Asst. Prof. Monika Balija Vincek, PhD

Project Description

The project takes an interdisciplinary approach to emigration, return migration and immigration in the Republic of Croatia, with particular attention to the period following Croatia’s accession to the European Union. It examines migration motives, labour mobility, returnees’ experiences and the social and demographic impacts of migration. The objective is to advance understanding of contemporary migration processes and formulate proposals for more effective migration governance.

Network 2050 – Demography: From Challenges to Solutions

Project Information

Project Period
29 October 2020 – 29 October 2023
Lead Institution
World Youth Alliance Croatia (SSMH)
Faculty’s Role
Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb is one of the project partners.
Funding Source
European Social Fund; State Budget of the Republic of Croatia.
Research Team Members
Stjepan Šterc, PhD; Asst. Prof. Monika Komušanac, PhD; Monika Balija, PhD; Tamara Bodor, PhD; and Asst. Prof. Wollfy Krašić, PhD

Project Description

The project brings together civil society organisations, the research community, social partners and local government to develop evidence-based guidelines for demographic public policy. Its research activities address youth emigration from Croatia, the relationship between migration and national security, and the demographic potential of the Croatian diaspora. The project connects scientific research with cross-sectoral dialogue on opportunities for Croatia’s demographic revitalisation.

Croats in the Benelux Countries – Migration, Integration and Identity

Project Information

Project Period
January–December 2026
Lead Institution
Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences
Faculty’s Role
Project partner: Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb.
Funding Source
Central State Office for Croats Abroad, under the 2025 decision on the allocation of financial support for specific needs and projects of interest to Croats outside the Republic of Croatia.
Project Collaborators
Asst. Prof. Monika Balija Vincek, PhD and Tamara Bodor, PhD

Project Description

The project investigates contemporary migration of Croatian citizens to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, focusing particularly on young and highly educated emigrants. It examines migration motives, the role of migrant networks, integration experiences, the preservation of Croatian identity and ties to the homeland, and intentions to return. The findings are intended to inform recommendations for engagement with the Croatian diaspora and the development of conditions conducive to return migration.

Croats in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg: The Potential for (Re)migration to the Republic of Croatia

Project Information

Project Lead
Asst. Prof. Monika Balija Vincek, PhD
Project Period
June 2025 – June 2026
Funding Source
Ministry of Demography and Immigration (public call for proposals)
Project Team Member
Tamara Bodor, PhD

Project Description

The project investigates intentions among Croatian citizens living in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to return or relocate to the Republic of Croatia, as well as the factors that facilitate or hinder such decisions. It explores participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, experiences of life in Germany and ties to Croatia. Activities include engagement with Croatian communities and the development of an evidence base for measures encouraging emigrants to return and their descendants to settle in Croatia.

The Demographic and Identity-Related Potential of Croats in Germany for the Republic of Croatia

Project Information

Project Lead
Asst. Prof. Monika Balija Vincek, PhD
Project Period
June 2024 – June 2025
Funding Source
Central State Office for Croats Abroad (public call for proposals)
Project Team Member
Tamara Bodor, PhD

Project Description

The project investigates and presents the demographic and identity-related potential of the Croatian community in Germany, bringing together historical and contemporary migration experiences. Its principal activities include an academic and professional colloquium and a round-table discussion designed to facilitate knowledge exchange among researchers, representatives of the Croatian diaspora and relevant institutions. The project promotes cooperation with the Croatian community in Germany and dialogue on its potential contribution to the development of the Republic of Croatia.

The (Re)migration Potential of Croatian Citizens in the Federal Republic of Germany

Project Information

Project Lead
Asst. Prof. Monika Balija Vincek, PhD
Project Period
March–December 2026
Funding Source
Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb (institutional funding)
Project Team Member
Tamara Bodor, PhD

Project Description

The project builds on survey findings from Croatian citizens in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg and interviews with representatives of Croatian associations and communities. It examines intentions to return or relocate to Croatia, the factors that encourage or discourage such decisions, and their association with respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics. A further objective is to disseminate the findings to academic, professional and wider audiences and stimulate discussion of return-migration policies and cooperation with the diaspora.

Croatian Citizens in Baden-Württemberg: Return Intentions among First- and Second-Generation Croatian “Emigrants”

Project Information

Project Lead
Assoc. Prof. Wollfy Krašić, PhD
Project Period
May–December 2025
Funding Source
Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, through institutional funding support for scientific activities in 2025.
Research Team Members
Asst. Prof. Monika Balija Vincek, PhD and Tamara Bodor, PhD

Project Description

The project examines return intentions among first- and second-generation Croatian emigrants in Baden-Württemberg through their experiences of integration and transnational ties to Croatia. Particular attention is given to generational differences in attitudes towards return and the circumstances influencing decisions about future residence. Building on previous research into the Croatian community in Bavaria, the project provides a basis for further studies of return migration.

Migration Processes between Germany and Croatia: Return of First- and Second-Generation Croatian Emigrants in Bavaria?

Project Information

Project Lead
Assoc. Prof. Wollfy Krašić, PhD
Project Period
May–December 2024
Funding Source
Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb (institutional funding)
Research Team Members
Asst. Prof. Monika Balija Vincek, PhD and Tamara Bodor, PhD

Project Description

The project examines the intentions and perceptions of return among first- and second-generation Croatian emigrants in Bavaria, with particular emphasis on the Croatian community in Munich. Through qualitative fieldwork, it explores experiences of integration, transnational practices and generational differences in attitudes towards returning to Croatia. Its objective is to expand knowledge of the Croatian community in Germany and improve understanding of the factors relevant to designing policies that encourage return migration and immigration.