Nadškof Hranić po tem, ko je Cerkev dobila gozd od države: "Hvala Bogu in predsedniku vlade Plenkovicu"

In a significant legal and historical resolution, the Croatian government has officially completed a long-standing process related to property rights that began back in 1997. This development took place in Đakovo, where representatives of the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Đakovo-Osijek Archdiocese signed an agreement regarding the transfer of ownership over substitute properties—specifically forests and forest land—in compensation for real estate that could not be returned during the denationalization process. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who expressed his support for this resolution, as well as Archbishop Đuro Hranić of Đakovo-Osijek and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture David Vlajčić.

The agreement involves approximately 2,300 hectares of forest and forest land located near Đakovo. These lands were allocated to the archdiocese as substitute properties, compensating for assets that had been taken during the denationalization period but could not be physically returned. The decision to allocate these lands was made by the government on April 23, following extensive discussions and negotiations between the Church and state authorities. The compensation was not given in cash, which the Church found unacceptable, but instead in kind—land that mirrors the area previously lost. This approach aligns with the principle of "square for square," emphasizing a direct exchange rather than monetary compensation.

Archbishop Hranić emphasized the importance of resolving this matter in a manner that respects both historical justice and the dignity of the Church. He acknowledged the lengthy nature of the process but expressed gratitude to God and to Prime Minister Plenković for demonstrating political will to see it through. He also praised Minister Vlajčić for completing the task thoroughly alongside his team. According to Hranić, the Church's insistence on receiving compensation in the form of land reflected its desire for tangible restitution rather than financial settlement.

Minister Vlajčić highlighted that this agreement marks the end of a decades-long legal procedure initiated in 1997. He described it as correcting a major historical injustice against the Catholic Church and specifically the Đakovo-Osijek Archdiocese. Earlier efforts had resolved 9,400 hectares of land, leaving 2,300 hectares remaining, valued at around 16 million euros. However, the Church waived the total value of 25 million euros and accepted the 16 million euro worth of land to conclude the process. This gesture, according to Vlajčić, demonstrates goodwill and a commitment to reconciliation.

The resolution of this issue involved multiple layers of legal complexity and required cooperation among several governmental bodies and agencies. Vlajčić extended his thanks to previous ministers and all relevant services that contributed to resolving this intricate property dispute. The process, while challenging, ultimately led to a satisfactory conclusion for both parties involved.

Following the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Plenković continued his visit to the Osijek-Baranja County administration. His itinerary included visiting a Roma community in the village of Darda, accompanied by parliamentary representative Veljko Kajtazi. Later, he was scheduled to attend the official opening of the Cultural Children’s Center "IDEM" in Ernestinov. This series of engagements underscores the government's broader focus on social inclusion, cultural development, and regional engagement beyond the formal resolution of the property dispute.