MEP Stier's Internship Programme Hosts Eight Young Croats from South America

Eight young people of Croatian descent from South America completed a professional internship in the Brussels office of Croatian MEP Davor Ivo Stier during 2026. The initiative was first announced at last year's meeting of Croatian emigrants in São Paulo, Brazil.

Stier, speaking to Hina on Friday from the 9th meeting of the Croatian diaspora of South America in Córdoba, Argentina, said interest in the programme was high. More than 20 candidates applied through a public call announced on social media. After a selection process focused on formal requirements and the best results, eight were chosen and signed internship agreements with the European Parliament.

The internships lasted six to eight weeks, with participants rotating throughout the year so that not all were in Brussels at the same time. Successful applicants came from Argentina and Chile, though applications arrived from other Latin American countries as well. Some candidates could not take part due to European Parliament rules, such as incomplete procedures for acquiring citizenship of an EU member state or having already entered permanent employment.

Among the interns was Nikola Ferinović from Buenos Aires, who has since moved to Croatia with his wife and family. Stier expressed satisfaction that the programme served as a stepping stone for that decision. The programme will continue in 2027, but will be aimed at young people from Croatia, with possible participation of young people of Croatian origin from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Stier also announced a new initiative: a round table in the European Parliament where representatives of Croatian communities would present their contribution to the development of South America and to strengthening relations between Latin America and Europe. The idea emerged from his experience leading EU election observation missions in Bolivia and Peru, where he saw the significant role of people of Croatian origin. Around 850,000 people of Croatian descent live in South America, and the annual meetings since 2015 have grown to attract around 500 participants this year.