Diplomatic relations between the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Republic of Croatia were officially established in 1992, marking the beginning of a fruitful partnership characterized by shared humanitarian values.

Over the years, the relationship has been strengthened through significant visits and collaborative projects, as well as extensive humanitarian initiatives.

1991-1993: The Balkan War and Initial Humanitarian Presence

Before formal diplomatic ties were established, the Sovereign Order of Malta was actively involved in providing humanitarian aid during the Balkan War. In 1991, the Malteser Hilfsdienst (MHD) set up a liaison office in Zagreb to coordinate relief efforts across Croatia, with contributions from volunteers and aid organizations in Austria, Italy, France, Ireland, and Hungary.

The Zagreb office became a central hub for operations, including:

• Needs assessment and central warehousing.
• Distribution of food and medicine.
• Establishment of a soup kitchen serving 3,500 meals daily.
• Creation of a kindergarten and management of refugee camps in Bosnia.
• Coordination of reconstruction efforts in war-affected areas.

Between 1991 and 1993, Oeuvres Hospitalières Françaises delivered significant medical supplies, and the Hungarian Relief Corps provided extensive assistance, including refugee camps.

1993: Foundation of the Croatian Relief Corps

The Croatian Relief Corps (UMH) was founded in 1993 to continue supporting vulnerable populations. Unfortunately, the corps was dissolved in 2020 after its spiritual leader passed away due to COVID-19.

1994: Postal Agreement

The Sovereign Order of Malta and Croatia formalized a postal agreement in 1994, further strengthening institutional ties.

2004-2010: Diplomatic Visits

Several high-level diplomatic exchanges have highlighted the strong relations between the Order and Croatia:

• 2004: Croatia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Miomir Žužul, paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Master Fra’ Andrew Bertie.
• 2008: The Grand Master of the Order, Fra’ Matthew Festing, visited President Stjepan Mesić in Zagreb. President Mesić expressed gratitude for the Order’s vital support during and after the War of Independence. The Grand Master also met the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, Luka Bebić, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Family.
• 2009: Luka Bebić, President of the Croatian Parliament, reciprocated with a courtesy visit.
• 2010: President Ivo Josipović of Croatia was received by the Grand Master at the Magistral Villa in Rome.

Humanitarian Activities in Recent Years

Despite the absence of a National Association in Croatia, the Sovereign Order of Malta has maintained a significant humanitarian presence:

• Annual Initiatives: Organizing seaside holidays in Istria for disabled groups and pilgrimages to the Shrine of Our Lady of Trsat.
• Healthcare Support: Delivery of medical equipment such as care beds, wheelchairs, and lifting cranes to the Sisters of Mercy Monastery in Djakovo.
• Social Inclusion Projects:
  • Project Pokupsko (2018-2019): Volunteers supported elderly villagers in Sisak Diocese, with similar initiatives in Opatija.
  • A Roma Center in Gornje Vratno, Varaždin, established on donated land in 2019, now cares for 54 Roma children annually. The center also houses a school launched by the Order’s Croatian members.

2020-2022: Earthquake Relief and COVID-19 Response

During the pandemic, the Order donated protective equipment, including masks, antiseptics, and overalls, alongside 63 care beds and 280 wheelchairs. After the December 2020 earthquake in Croatia:

• The Order provided over 100 wooden houses for displaced elderly individuals in rural areas, in collaboration with Austrian and German organizations like “Bauern Helfen Bauern.”
• Churches destroyed in Sisak Diocese were equipped and refurnished.

2024: Recent Diplomatic Engagements and Continued Humanitarian Efforts

In November 2024, Ambassador Giampaolo Cantini, Secretary General for Foreign Affairs of the Order of Malta, received Andreja Metelko-Zgombi, Croatia’s Secretary of State for Foreign and European Affairs. Discussions emphasized the long-standing partnership since 1992 and explored avenues to deepen ties, with a focus on joint humanitarian efforts and social inclusion projects.

Assistance to Ukraine

In recent years, the Order’s Embassy to Croatia also facilitated aid to Ukraine, including shipments of blankets, winter clothing, and medical equipment such as a gynecological surgery suite for a clinic in Lviv.