Croatian national youth programmes are strategic documents that regulate youth issues in the Republic of Croatia. Their purpose is to enhance the activities of government bodies and public institutions, helping meet the needs of young people and improving their quality of life. The previous National Youth Programme 2014-2017 contains a comprehensive analysis of the status of youth in Croatia. It outlines specific goals for various areas and includes details on tasks, responsible parties, partners, deadlines, and indicators for implementing each proposed measures.

The new National Youth Programme 2023-2025 highlights the necessity to inform young people about the European Union (EU). Regarding political participation, systematic scientific insight is needed to identify trends and shape a comprehensive understanding of young people and their involvement at the EU level. Existing research indicates the necessity for empowerment and promoting increased inclusion. Only a small number of young people have experienced mobility within the EU, particularly in the context of education. This is mainly attributed to both financial constraints and a lack of interest. In this sense, the National Youth Programme 2023-2025 emphasises young people facing fewer opportunities, providing additional information on the available options for them. 

The fourth priority area of the National Youth Programme 2023-2025, ‘Youth and the European Union’, includes the following three measures:

• enhancing international mobility of young people
• implementing European youth policies
• empowering civil society organisations to inform young people about the EU and encourage their active participation

The ‘Youth and the World’ area of the EU Youth Strategy is based on the cooperation of EU member states through the Open Method of Coordination, structured dialogue with youth, drafting reports on EU-level youth issues, youth work participation, and other similar methods. Some of these methods were recognised in areas of the previous National Youth Programme 2014-2017.

The area ‘Youth in the European and Global Context’ focused on youth participation, stakeholders in the youth sector, and relevant institutions in creating youth policies at the EU, Council of Europe, and United Nations levels. Additionally, it aimed to encourage youth mobility on both European and global levels.

With the support of the former Ministry of Demographics, Family, Youth and Social Policy, Croatia has been successfully implementing the European Youth Card project. The purpose of this project is: ‘To support the youth in researching and preserving the rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage of Croatia and Europe, expanding and enriching the youth experience, developing their creativity and desire to research new cultures, expanding multiculturalism and active youth participation in society.’