Croatia expands asbestos compensation for former Plobest and Salonit workers

The Croatian government approved amendments to two compensation laws, extending eligibility to former employees of the Plobest and Salonit firms and their heirs who were exposed to asbestos. Approximately 223 former Plobest workers will receive €29,100 each, with payments beginning at the end of 2026 and a total budget of €4.9 million allocated through 2028. For Salonit, around 340 claimants are expected to receive the same amount, financed by €4.5 million over the next three years. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković described the changes as a correction of past injustices, while minister Marija Vučković highlighted the expanded coverage for workers employed between 1991 and 2006. The reforms also broaden the scope of the 2020 law, allowing compensation for workers previously omitted from the scheme.