For the first time in years, Croatia is in a demographic positive trend, according to new data published by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics (DZS). Between June and September 2025, around 650 more babies were born compared to the same period last year — a rare piece of good news amid long-standing concerns over population decline.

The increase comes as Croatia continues to grapple with demographic challenges, an aging population, and youth emigration, all of which have contributed to steady depopulation in recent decades.

These issues were in focus at a conference marking the progress of the two-year national project “Establishing a Strategic, Legislative and Institutional Framework for the Demographic Revitalisation of Croatia.” The initiative brings together government representatives, experts, and international partners to create concrete tools and policies aimed at reversing negative demographic trends.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is also participating in the project, assessing Croatia’s legislative and policy framework for demographic development and preparing recommendations to support future reforms.

While experts caution that one strong quarter does not signal a long-term reversal, the data has been welcomed as a hopeful sign that ongoing national efforts to support families and improve living standards may be beginning to show results.