October the 6th, 2026 – There are 5 things Croatian island residents say are urgently required in order for any real life to be consistently maintained on the country’s many islands.
High property prices, losing their maritime connection with their hometown during study periods, and having to travel to the mainland for every specialist examination are just some of the everyday challenges faced by young people on Croatian islands. Morski reports that more was revealed during a recently held online workshop called “Stay or leave? – young people and the future of the islands.” The workshop was held as part of the “Island Youth for Global Change” (IYGC) project, young islanders offered concrete solutions and agreed on five key measures that would enable them to live long-term on the islands.
The project was implemented by the Island Movement and LAG 5 within the GEAR UP! call, and the workshop participants focused on five key areas: housing, working conditions, higher education, healthcare, and social life outside the tourist season.
life outside of the summer season is needed
Outside of the boiling, tourism-fuelled summer months, social, sports and cultural activities on many islands almost completely die down. Young people emphasise that they are ready to organise activities themselves, but they lack basic infrastructure.
Solution: It is proposed that cities and municipalities issue public calls through which they would provide young people with premises, basic materials and initial support for establishing sports clubs or organising events, after which the young people would take over the running of the activities themselves.
co-financing the purchase of first properties
Property prices on Croatia’s many islands are largely unaffordable for the local population, which has been highlighted as one of the biggest obstacles to starting a family on the island.
Solution: Introduction of a model in which the local self-government co-finances the purchase of an apartment or house. In return, the buyer commits to long-term residence on the island. In the event of limited budget funds, priority would be given to shortage occupations.
equal treatment for both seasonal and domestic employees
Finding affordable accommodation for workers who stay on the island all year round is a major problem, and inequality in working conditions has also been pointed out. While foreign workers often receive free accommodation, food and utilities in addition to their salary, domestic workers are left without these benefits.
Solution: Construction or conversion of year-round staff accommodation facilities (staff houses) available to domestic workers. Alternatively, it is proposed that domestic workers be granted the right to equal benefits or to a cash allowance in the amount that the employer would otherwise allocate for their accommodation (e.g. around 200 euros per month).
making sure students can always reach home via ferry whatever the season
During four- or five-year studies on the mainland, young people’s connection with the island gradually weakens, which often results in permanent departure.
Solution: Co-financing of at least one trip home per month by the municipalities, as well as the establishment and financial support of island student associations in university cities (following the successful example of the Lošinj student association in Zagreb).
the need for specialist doctors on the islands
Travelling to the mainland for routine or specialist examinations entails a large financial and time cost for island families.
Solution: Organisation of visits by specialist doctors to the island once or twice a month, according to a pre-determined schedule, which would raise primary healthcare to a significantly higher level.
