Minister for Veteran Affairs Adnan Sirovica: With record investments, we are strengthening the dignity of veterans

(Patria) - The Ministry for Veteran Affairs of Zenica-Doboj Canton, in the period from 2022 to 2025, records a strong and continuous growth in budget
allocations and user coverage, confirming the commitment of the Government of ZDK to
systematic and responsible care for the veteran population.

The Ministry's budget has increased from around 15 million KM in 2022 to
over 22.8 million KM in 2025, while the budget for 2026 plans for almost 24 million KM. This growth has enabled an increase in subsistence allowances, allocations for treatment and rehabilitation, employment and self-employment, housing, as well as educational support for children of veterans.

– Our goal was not just to increase the budget, but to ensure that every mark means concrete support and greater dignity for veterans and their families. The results we have today show that we have succeeded on that path – stated the Minister for Veteran Affairs Adnan Sirovica.

The implementation of the new Law on Additional Rights of Veterans and their Family Members has further expanded the circle of beneficiaries and facilitated access to rights, resulting in a historical maximum number of beneficiaries of subsistence allowances, healthcare, scholarships, and one-time assistance.

Special attention has been paid to the children of the veteran population. In previous years, scholarship amounts have significantly increased, as have funds for the purchase of textbooks for primary and secondary school students.

– Investing in the education of children of veterans is a long-term commitment for us. It is an investment in their more secure future, but also in the stability of the entire society – emphasized Minister Sirovica.

In the past period, the Ministry has also realized important projects for the construction and completion of memorials to martyrs, including the Memorial in Župči (Breza), and the initiation of the construction of a Memorial at the site of Željezno Polje – Velika Mahnjača, thereby paying due tribute to the heroes of the defense.

– Care for the veteran population is not only reflected in material rights, but also in the culture of remembrance and respect for those who gave the most for freedom – said Sirovica.

The achieved results confirm that the Ministry for Veteran Affairs of ZDK, in the period 2022–2025, has achieved a significant qualitative and quantitative leap, positioning itself as one of the key drivers of social stability and institutional support for the veteran population in the Canton.