ZAGREB, 15 Aug (Hina) – President Zoran Milanović said on Wednesday that immigration is the greatest challenge Croatia is currently facing, stressing the need for ongoing monitoring of this process to ensure that immigrants integrate culturally, learn the language, and embrace the local culture.

“Immigration and the arrival of foreigners is a reality and the greatest challenge Croatia faces, a challenge greater than any we’ve encountered before,” Milanović said during a special session of the Jelsa Municipal Council, held in honor of the municipality’s day and the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, its patron saint.

He also commented on global issues, noting that “wars, Russia, Ukraine, crimes in Gaza, murders, war crimes… these are things we witness, В but we can navigate through them if we stay smart and focus on our own tasks.”

He further pointed out that the Croatian population is dwindling, and realistically, this trend is unlikely to reverse.

At the Jelsa municipality’s celebration, Milanović also emphasised the importance of striving for improvement and quality.

The session was also attended by Health Minister Vili Beroš, representing the Prime Minister.