At the 31st anniversary celebration of Operation Storm, the Prime Minister announced the abolition of the 2002 pension reductions and supplements based on the length of participation in the defense.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Tuesday in Knin, at the central celebration of the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation Storm, presented concrete plans to increase the incomes of Croatian veterans. Alongside state leadership and numerous citizens, Plenković announced legislative changes that will be sent to Parliament in the autumn, which will bring a pension supplement and the abolition of a decades-old reduction.
Addressing those gathered, the Prime Minister emphasized that the pension supplement will be calculated based on the length of participation in the defense of the sovereignty of the Republic of Croatia. "By the same criterion, we will also increase the lowest veterans' pensions. The reduction of pensions for members of the military and police from 2002 will also be abolished, thereby covering 200,000 Croatian veterans," Plenković stated.
Before the ceremonial speech, Plenković, along with members of the government, laid a wreath and lit a candle at the Monument to the Croatian Victory "Storm 95." With this act, they paid tribute to all fallen veterans. The state delegation then attended a holy mass for fallen, deceased, and missing Croatian veterans of the Homeland War, led by Military Ordinariate Monsignor Jure Bogdan at the Church of Our Lady of the Great Croatian Baptismal Vow.
In his speech, the Prime Minister reflected on the historical significance of Operation Storm, calling it "a brilliant military victory, a legitimate liberation operation, and the crown of Croatia's struggle for freedom." He highlighted the role of the first President Franjo Tuđman and reminded that the operation liberated the largest part of the occupied territory in just a few days and enabled the return of displaced persons.
"We also saved Bihać from an impending humanitarian catastrophe; Storm changed the balance of power in Bosnia and Herzegovina, paving the way for peace and the Dayton Agreement. The peaceful reintegration of the Croatian Danube region was also carried out," Plenković said, adding that these historical facts are the foundation on which national pride rests.
In addition to social measures for veterans, the Prime Minister also sent a strong message about the state of national security. He emphasized that Croatia is not competing with anyone in armament and does not threaten anyone, but is not afraid of anyone. "We will never again be unprotected, and that is why we are strongly investing in the Croatian military. We are not alone; we are a NATO member and active in strengthening European strategic autonomy," he stated.
Plenković clarified that investment in defense is not preparation for war, but investment in peace and security, which directly affects investor confidence. "A secure, strong, and well-protected Croatia is an attractive place for living, working, and investing," he concluded.
Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister stated that preserving freedom and strengthening the state is a lasting responsibility. "We are building a Croatia that knows its history but looks toward the future. For the Croatian people, there is no greater gift or brighter legacy than the freedom you won," Plenković said, congratulating everyone on Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Veterans.
