Strasbourg, 29.06.2026 – The Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages of the 46-member Council of Europe has published its evaluation of Croatia’s follow-up to recommendations aimed at strengthening the protection and promotion of regional or minority languages.
The Charter – a Council of Europe treaty dedicated to safeguarding Europe’s linguistic heritage – applies in Croatia to Boyash Romanian, Czech, German, Hungarian, Istro-Romanian, Italian, Ruthenian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian and Ukrainian.

The Committee welcomes Croatia’s continued commitment to the Charter and notes positively the authorities’ openness to extending minority language education, measures supporting minority cultural and media projects, and efforts to maintain dialogue with representatives of minority communities.

At the same time, the Committee considers that further efforts would help to ensure fuller implementation of Charter provisions. For example, the Committee encourages the authorities to take a more proactive approach to expanding educational opportunities in regional or minority languages, supporting teacher training and teaching materials, and strengthening awareness of the benefits of multilingualism and linguistic diversity.

The Committee highlights the importance of increasing opportunities to use minority languages in contacts with public authorities and public services and of steps to encourage the practical use of these languages in public life, which would also contribute to their vitality and visibility.

Another area identified for continued attention concerns broadcasting and media. The Committee notes existing programmes relating to national minorities and encourages the development of more regular and sustained radio and television content in regional or minority languages. Such programming can play an important role in language transmission, cultural expression and public awareness.

The Committee further underlines the value of promoting understanding and appreciation of minority languages and cultures as part of Croatia’s shared cultural heritage. Continued efforts in education, media and public awareness can help strengthen social cohesion, mutual understanding and respect for diversity.

The evaluation forms part of the monitoring process of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, through which the Council of Europe supports its member states in safeguarding and promoting Europe’s linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.