The Katarina Zrinska Foreign Language Centre marks 30th anniversary

On 31 March 2025, the Katarina Zrinska Foreign Language Centre marked its 30 anniversary at the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Croatian Defence Academy.

During the ceremony, the Commandant of the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Croatian Defence Academy, Brigadier General Slaven Zdilar, and the Director of the Katarina Zrinska Foreign Language Centre, Irena Prpić Đurić, presented awards and commendations to the Centre’s staff and certificates of appreciation to external associates.

General Zdilar expressed his gratitude to all current and former staff members of the Foreign Language Centre, emphasizing its importance to the Croatian Armed Forces as a whole: “Over the past three decades, the Centre has become an integral part of the training system within the Croatian Armed Forces. In times of rapid changes, new security challenges, and increasing international cooperation, knowledge of foreign languages is a key factor in successful communication, operational effectiveness, and the professional development of our members.”
In her speech, Director Prpić Đurić reflected on the main tasks, goals, and achievements the Centre has accomplished over its 30 years of existence, highlighting: “When we talk about languages, we are not just talking about words and grammar. We are talking about connecting people, understanding, bridging borders, and creating new opportunities.”

The Katarina Zrinska Foreign Language Centre was established as the Foreign Language School by the decision of the Defence Minister on 14 March 1995. Its mission was to organize and conduct intensive foreign language courses and specialized English language courses for members of the Croatian Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence. Classes began in September 1995 in Zagreb, with the first students being the Defence Diplomacy Course participants. The first intensive foreign language courses were held in the spring of 1996 simultaneously in Zagreb and Split, while classes in Osijek began in January 1997. At that time, English, German, and French were taught, and Italian was introduced in 1998. Today, the Katarina Zrinska Foreign Language Centre is a modern and flexible institution, ready to meet the needs of the security and defence community.