Croatia cleared of mines

Approximately 107,000 mines and explosive devices, as well as 470,000 unexploded ordnances, were removed. The explosives were remnants of the war following the breakup of Yugoslavia. “Croatia is now a mine-free country. After nearly 30 years, we have completed demining in accordance with the Ottawa Convention. This is not only a technical achievement but also a fulfilled moral obligation to the victims and their families,” announced Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović.

The front line once stretched for more than a thousand kilometers. After the Balkan War of the 1990s, one in five Croatian citizens lived under the threat of landmines. Demining began after the war ended and lasted nearly three decades, costing around €1.2 billion. According to official data, 41 deminers and 208 civilians lost their lives to mines during that period.

“During the demining of Croatia, we improved procedures and developed everything that was lacking at the international level when we started. We now possess extensive expertise—from the very process of clearing mined areas, through various procedures, technical surveys, and other methods, to public education,” said Minister Božinović. Last year, during the international symposium “Demining” held in Cavtat in southern Croatia, it was announced that the government would increase support for Croatian demining companies operating in foreign markets. Following the completion of the demining process, Croatia donated several dozen demining robots to Ukraine.