On 16 June 2026, the Croatian Blind Union (CBU) will proudly celebrate 80 years of dedication, advocacy and community. This milestone marks eight decades of our work to break down prejudice, promote inclusion and advance the equal status of blind and visually impaired people in Croatian society.
Our story began on 16 June 1946, when a group of visionary blind intellectuals led by Professor Franjo Tonković founded the Union under the powerful principle “By blind people, for blind people.” At a time when most services and advocacy efforts for blind people were organised by well-intentioned sighted individuals, this marked a turning point, a moment when blind and visually impaired people in Croatia decided to begin shaping their own future and advocating for their own rights.
Over the past eight decades, we have grown into a strong national umbrella organisation and a respected partner in promoting accessibility, inclusion and equal opportunities. Through advocacy, cooperation with institutions and partners, and the dedication of our members and staff, we have worked continuously to improve the lives of blind and visually impaired people across the country.
Our 80th anniversary celebration will take place at Hotel Sheraton in Zagreb. The event is expected to gather high-level representatives from national and local institutions, including senior officials from the Croatian state leadership and the City of Zagreb, representatives of the EBU, leaders of member associations, partners, media and many friends who have supported our journey.
Following the celebration, we will also have the honour of hosting the EBU LEC Meeting from 17–19 June 2026 at ERKS Premantura, our accessible seaside tourist and training facility on the Adriatic coast.
As we celebrate this important anniversary, we look back with gratitude at the generations who built our movement and forward with determination to continue our work.
Here’s to 80 years of solidarity, progress and community and to many more ahead!