Vojnić, an HDZ member of the Croatian Parliament, said the initiative was prompted in part by upcoming elections for the Croatian National Council later this year, adding she would head an electoral list.
She also cited the year-long paralysis within the Democratic Alliance of Croats in Vojvodina (DSHV), until now the only political party representing Croats in Serbia.
“For our development, political action is essential. At this moment, we have strong support from Croatia and believe the conditions are right to launch this vision,” she said.
She described the HNV as a centre-right civic movement based on Christian democratic values, operating across Serbia to improve perceptions of Croats and ensure conditions for their survival.
The launch was attended by Croatian diplomatic representatives in Serbia, members of the DSHV leadership opposed to party head Tomislav Žigmanov, leaders of Croat associations, representatives of the Catholic Church and business figures.
The mandate of the current Croatian National Council leadership expires at the end of the year. The 23-member body represents Croats in Serbia in culture, education, media and official language use.
Elections for the new Council will be held later this year, with voting for the first time limited to members of the Croat community registered on a special electoral roll. Vojnić, the current Council president, is seeking a third term.