President Milanović in Milna on Brač Island: The Croatian identity is shaped by the sea
“We are a Slavic nation, the only one among Slavic nations historically linked to the sea and our identity is shaped by the sea, through maritime communities and republics, the most famous of which is Dubrovnik. And that sets us apart from other nations,” the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović said at the opening ceremony of the Maritime History of Milna Interpretation Centre, which reveals the longstanding and rich fishing tradition of this part of Brač Island, but also of the island as a whole. Emphasizing that the Croatian identity is shaped by the sea, President Milanović added that this makes us a maritime nation.
Since the project is co-financed from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, President Milanović commended the residents of Milna for “taking advantage of European funds” for the construction of the Centre. “But I also want you to respect yourself more because European funds are our money. If I were you, I would mention them less because this complex and beautiful architecture that was created in the last 200 years was not financed with European money, but with your money and no one from Brussels taught you to do that. You learned that through tradition and good discipline,” President Milanović told them.
He added that they must have their own plans, not strategies. “You have your plans, the strategy is closed, it does not arise from below and it is not created by the army, the people, it is created by the generals, those who lead the army. You don’t want to function like that, you should aim to operate from the grassroots, to take what belongs to you because you create a lot,” President Milanović asserted.
In his concluding remarks, the President reflected on the legacy of emigrants from Brač Island who ventured out into the world throughout history. “Never before has such a small group of individuals scattered across the globe left such a profound and enduring impact, achieving remarkable success across several generations,” President Milanović remarked. He highlighted how these islanders embarked on their journeys as members of a modest maritime or semi-maritime community, yet managed to leave an indelible mark on distant shores. Their endeavours not only generated wealth but also wielded political influence, distinguishing them as an unparalleled group among their counterparts of similar size.
In addition to President Milanović, the opening ceremony welcomed Frane Lozić, the Head of the Municipality of Milna. Margarita Šima, the visionary behind the concept of the Maritime History of Milna Interpretation Centre, introduced the exhibition space. The Centre will not only showcase the rich maritime heritage of the area but will also function as a hub for the preservation and celebration of the local community’s memories and identity, rooted in fishing and maritime traditions. With active involvement from the local community, the Centre aims to serve as a dynamic space for sharing and honouring their collective heritage.
President Milanović was accompanied by Orsat Miljenić, Head of the Office of the President of the Republic, and Melita Mulić, Adviser to the President of the Republic for Human Rights and Civil Society.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas