Medved: Operation Storm Was More Than a Military Victory
Deputy Prime Minister sent congratulations on the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm and Victory Day, emphasizing it as the crowning achievement of all battles in the Homeland War.
Deputy Prime Minister sent congratulations on the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm and Victory Day, emphasizing it as the crowning achievement of all battles in the Homeland War.
On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Tomo Medved, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Croatian Veterans, sent a congratulatory message to all Croatian veterans, families of fallen, missing, and deceased veterans, and all Croatian patriots, on the occasion of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, Croatian Veterans Day, and the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation Storm.
In his message, Medved stated that Croatia proudly remembers all operations that resulted in victory in the Homeland War, thanking all veterans, especially those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and independence of the state. He emphasized that Operation Storm was crucial for ending the war, as Croatian forces liberated most of the occupied territory and enabled the re-establishment of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Croatia.
"The Homeland War is the foundation of our statehood, Operation Storm is the crowning achievement of all our battles, and the Croatian flag atop Knin Fortress is the symbol of victory in the Homeland War," Minister Medved stressed.
Storm, as he said, was more than a military victory; it represented a sign of unity, patriotism, and determination of Croatian veterans, the Croatian Army, police, and the Croatian people, both at home and abroad. The Minister emphasized that since gaining independence, Croatia has achieved important strategic and political goals and continues to build a future based on the values of the Homeland War.
At the end of the congratulatory message, Medved called on citizens to remember the strength of unity and courage shown in the defense of the homeland, and expressed gratitude to all Croatian veterans and those who laid down their lives for Croatian freedom and independence. "Thank them for everything; we are free people," Medved said.
Alongside the celebration of the national holiday, significant achievements have been recorded in other fields in recent days. At the European University Games in Salerno, which concluded on August 3, 2026, Croatian athletes won a total of 11 medals. They secured three gold, three silver, and five bronze medals, earning them first place in the overall standings by medal count.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Tonči Glavina announced continued strong support for organizing international sports competitions. For this purpose, 11 million euros have been secured for 2027. Since the beginning of this government's mandate, Croatia has hosted around 250 international competitions, supported with nearly 80 million euros.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović visited the newly renovated police building in Preko on the island of Ugljan. He emphasized that investing in the police means investing in the safety of every individual. "The newly renovated police building in Preko means better working conditions for police officers and even greater safety and better service for citizens and the many visitors to the island. It is a joint success of the Croatian Ministry of the Interior and the municipalities of the islands of Ugljan and Pašman, confirmation that through partnership and responsible investments, safer and more resilient local communities are created," Božinović stated.
