Christmas Greetings from the President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović

Christmas is just around the corner, it is a holiday that every person and every family wants to spend and celebrate in the prosperity and peace of their home, in joy with their loved ones.

Respecting the Christian tradition, which for centuries has marked Croatia’s strong affiliation with Western and European culture, I sincerely wish all believers in Croatia, our compatriots in Bosnia and Herzegovina and around the world, a Merry Christmas, and may it truly be the most joyous holiday for you.

Celebrating Christmas gives us the opportunity to show how we truly love our neighbour, but also to demonstrate our humanity and kindness. Croatian people have always been ready to give a helping to a friend, a neighbour, and even to a stranger in need.

I am certain that we have not lost this valuable attribute as a community, as a small but proud nation. We have not lost it even today, when self-interest and greedy values ​​prevail in the world, which are only disguised by warm wishes and good intentions.

The world we live in has become unsafe, and the future uncertain. Although this is not in our doing in any way, we too have reason to worry and it concerns us. And that is why, as my greatest wish on the eve of Christmas, I single out peace and security in Croatian families and homes.

As President of our beautiful Homeland, I care, above all, that all Croatian people can live and work safely and carefree, raise their families and not worry about what tomorrow will bring. I have done and will do everything I can to make it so.

Everyone in Croatia to whom the citizens have entrusted the running of the state has the same responsibility, and I hope that they will not be let down. I will be a true collaborator and president to all who put the welfare and security of the Croatian people first.

We must do everything, ourselves, to ensure a better life in Croatia and a fair society, and peace and security for our Homeland. Few people are interested in our worries, so let us be wise and take care of ourselves.

I sincerely hope that peace will become reality for the people and nations in Europe and in the world who are suffering today because of wars and violence. I am sure that there is no better or more well-intentioned wish for them on the eve of this Christmas.

My dear fellow citizens, Croats in the Homeland and around the world, especially you in Bosnia and Herzegovina,

in the hope that all your wishes will come true, I wish you all a peaceful and joyous Christmas season.

Merry Christmas and best wishes in the New Year!