August 5, 2020 — Young people in Croatia share their thoughts about the Homeland War and Operation Storm. They also explain why they see their future somewhere else.
Those who fought, or watched while others fought, have opinions about Operation Storm. The younger generation, who were not even born during Operation Storm, have a different perspective. Dnevnik.hr examined what the young generation thinks about the Homeland War, how they view their lives and envision their future.
Croatia Students Have Great Opportunities to Study and Leave
Life is beautiful in Croatia, 25 years after Operation Storm, claims 22-year-old student Tomislav.
“Life is especially good for students. They have opportunities to study elsewhere in the world — expenses paid. The downside is that Croatia finances their studies and then they leave the country for work. That’s not OK with me,” he points out.
And indeed, most are thinking about leaving Croatia.
“There aren’t that many opportunities in Croatia. I plan to go abroad first. I’ll leave at the first opportunity, if I get a good offer,” Vinko revealed. Zvonimir has a similar attitude. “Honestly, money is my main motivation, because you can’t make money here. There are opportunities, but they do not provide enough for a reasonable standard of living. For a modest standard — yes. But a reasonable standard — no,” he explained.
Young Generation Sees Money, Success Outside Croatia
Tea, a young volleyball player, is also looking abroad to plan her future athletic success. “Nothing is certain anymore, especially for us young students. It’s confusing. ‘Confusion’ is the best word to describe my twenties,” she observed.
Marijan, who is among the best students of his generation, points out that the year post-graduation can be stressful. However he claims that education in Croatia can be excellent.
“I really have nothing to complain about. We have the opportunity to enter competitions and win awards. Making an effort to gain knowledge and study hard at school really pays off. I’m not sure what I’ll do, but I know that most of my peers are looking for something outside of Croatia,” Marijan added.
Young People Consider War Distant Past: Looking to Future
Most students learn about the Croatia Homeland War near the end of high school. Considering that the war ended 25 years ago, most young people consider it part of the distant past. “I think that we don’t discuss it in school because we are focusing more on foreign history,” Iris, a recent high school graduate, revealed.
“Today, disagreements concerning the war in Croatia somehow divert attention from the sheer magnitude of Operation Storm toward some less important issues. As a result, I and others lose interest in hearing anything about the war,” Marijan explained.
Volleyball player Tea believes that, regardless of personal knowledge about the Homeland War, “one should always remember, pay tribute, but try to live in the present.”
For many young people, the war is something that is difficult to imagine now. But that is why they appreciate everyone who fought for the existence and territorial integrity of Croatia. They made it possible for the young generation, unencumbered by the past, to choose their future — even if that future means living outside the borders of Croatia.
Follow our Lifestyle page for updates on life in Croatia during the 25 year anniversary celebration of Operation Storm.
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