ZAGREB, 3 June 2021 - A call for applications for scholarships for young persecuted Christians from developing countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa advertised by Croatia's Ministry of Science and Education and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has attracted 5,500 candidates.

A total of HRK 1.5 million was set aside in the state budget for scholarships for undergraduate and graduate university study for young persons persecuted for their faith so that they would be able to study in Croatia, gain knowledge and then return to their home country, where they will help to build their communities and democratic and tolerant society. The money will be used for their study and accommodation during their studies in Croatia.

The ministries will analyze the applications for scholarships, evaluate them and then decide which candidates will be awarded a scholarship for the 2021/2022 academic year, in accordance with the available funds.

The money for the Croatian scholarships for young persecuted Christians was ensured in the state budget on the basis of an amendment to this year's state budget submitted by independent MP Marijana Petir and accepted in November 2020.

Marijana Petir told Hina that the number of candidates "exceeds all expectations".

According to Petir, data of organizations that follow trends in religious freedoms show that Christians are exposed to discrimination and persecution, so such a large number of applications for Croatian scholarships is not surprising.

She recalled that the pontifical foundation Aid to Church in Need had presented the 15th edition of the Religious Freedom in the World Report, for the 2018-2020 period, which had shown that out of the 196 countries analyzed, human freedoms were seriously violated in 62 of them. In 30 countries, people were killed for religious reasons.

"The report shows that the right to freedom of religion is being violated in one of three countries, and it is estimated that about 67% of the world population, or 5.2 billion people, live in countries where there are serious restrictions on religious freedom," Petir said.

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March 17, 2021 - As the final arrangements are being finalized to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day one more year in several countries around the globe, here is everything you need to know about how one of the world’s most popular holidays will be celebrated in Croatia.

Each 17th of March, the Irish population and the Irish diaspora around the world commemorate the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity there. The holiday has evolved over time to become a worldwide display and celebration of Irish culture, through colorful parades, special foods, dancing, drinking, and very importantly, a whole lot of GREEN.

Although there will be no mass parades and celebrations this year due to the COVID-19 situation, Tourism Ireland is ensuring that this important day can be celebrated safely all around the world. As a matter of fact, they’re proud to announce that a record has been set in their 12th annual ‘‘Global Greening’’ initiative here in Croatia, both in municipalities and the number of sites participating. Thus elevating the number of municipalities to nine (9), and the sites across the country to fourteen (14). Next, we will share the details of the celebrations that will be held in each of them:

• Zagreb: the Croatian capital is going ‘‘green’’ for the fifth time this year. Among the sites that will change their colors will be the Zagreb fountains, the Museum of Contemporary Arts, the Klović Palace Gallery, and the Meštrović Pavilion.

• Rijeka: also remains a strong supporter of the ‘‘Global Greening’’: Trsat Castle, the ‘‘Molo Longo’’ port cranes, and the fountain in the Adriatic Square will once again link Croatia and Ireland.

• Split: the Dalmatian city will light up its fountain in front of Prokurative.

• Dubrovnik: for the very first time, the ‘‘Pearl of the Adriatic’’ will include the Small Onofrio Fountain in the celebration.

• Zadar: this year, its ‘‘greening’’ will be moved to the ‘‘Greetings to the Sun’’ installation.

• Pula: the Istrian city is also changing its contribution this year - the roundabout at the entrance to the city will show its citizens and visitors that the city celebrates its Irish link.

• Varaždin: the northern city is back for a second time, as the Croatian National Theatre will be the city’s ‘‘green representative’’ this year.

• Hvar: it is one of the two Croatian newcomers to the initiative, and its Fortica will be quite a sight in their first year celebrating St. Patrick's Day.

• Oriovac: the other first-time participant and the only Slavonian municipality taking part, will green its Turkish fountain.

When will you be able to witness the greenings of the fourteen sites across the country? On St. Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, 17 March at 19:00! Be sure to be there at nightfall with your camera, and the right company!

More information on the 12th annual Global Greening initiative can be found at Tourism Ireland’s site. 
For additional information regarding the Global Greening in Croatia, feel free to contact Bernard Vrban, Public Affairs Officer, at +385 (0)91 627 8934 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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