A Ukrainian parliamentary delegation is on a study visit to Croatia to learn about peaceful reintegration and post-war reconstruction
29 September 2025, 13:22
The delegation of Ukrainian MPs included members of the Committee on Law Enforcement and the Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the European Union. The purpose of the trip was to learn about the Croatian model of reintegration, the experience of implementing reforms on the path to EU accession, and best practices for recovery after armed conflict.
This was reported by Halyna Mikhailiuk, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Law Enforcement: «During meetings at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Office of the State Prosecutor of Croatia, we discussed the political, legal and security aspects of reintegration, as well as the challenges associated with the return and protection of the rights of internally displaced persons. An important part of the visit was learning about Croatia's experience in investigating war crimes, a topic that is crucial for achieving a just peace.»
In particular, the Ukrainian delegation met with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, as well as with the Chair of the Croatia-Ukraine Interparliamentary Friendship Group. The discussions focused on political and legislative decisions that ensured the peaceful reintegration of territories, the integration of veterans into society, the reconstruction of affected regions, as well as Croatia's experience in the process of accession to the European Union.
In addition, discussions were held with representatives of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia on overcoming security challenges in the liberated territories and with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs on social support and rehabilitation of military personnel. The delegation paid particular attention to studying Croatia's experience in negotiations on accession to the European Union, in particular reforms related to Chapters 23 «Judiciary and Fundamental Rights’ and 24 »Justice, Freedom and Security’.
In particular, Ukrainian parliamentarians visited the city of Vukovar, where they met with the mayor and governor of Vukovar-Srijem County, learned about the challenges of peaceful reintegration, and honoured the memory of war victims at the Ovčara memorial cemetery. Halyna Mykhailiuk emphasised: «The history of Vukovar is proof that the perseverance of society and the support of partners can transform the pain of the past into a foundation for a peaceful future.»
The programme also included trips to the cities of Knin and Sibenik, which after the end of the war became examples of successful recovery and development. The Ukrainian delegation learned about practices for rebuilding cultural heritage damaged during the hostilities and the use of European funds for the development of infrastructure, tourism and culture. The experience of these cities showed that post-war reconstruction can be the basis for sustainable economic growth and social cohesion. In Šibenik, the MPs visited the Veterans Rehabilitation Centre, where they learned about approaches to medical and psychological care, social adaptation programmes and employment for former military personnel.
The experience gained during the study visit will allow Ukraine to take advantage of the practical achievements of its Croatian partners and take their lessons into account in its own recovery and reintegration processes. «We are grateful to our Croatian colleagues for their openness and willingness to share their experience, as their lessons will be useful for Ukraine in the process of recovery, reintegration and movement towards the European Union,» emphasised Halyna Mykhailiuk.