Croatia grapples with tourism woes as waste‑water penalties rise and cleaning‑staff shortages persist

Croatia faces mounting economic pressure from its tourism sector. From 6 March 2025 the state must pay a daily fine of €6,500 for failing to clear waste in the Ravne Kotari area, a penalty imposed after the European Court of Justice ordered a €1 million penalty and a €17.5 million remediation contract. Despite billions invested in water infrastructure, only about 55 % of the population is connected to public sewage, the lowest rate in the EU, leaving waste‑water treatment as a major shortfall.

At the same time, owners of private apartments along the Adriatic report a severe shortage of reliable cleaning staff. Experienced cleaners earn €20‑25 per hour, sometimes up to €30, and a full‑house cleaning shift can cost €300‑500. The lack of qualified workers, especially for pool maintenance, forces owners to hire specialised firms or manage tasks themselves, cutting into profits despite high tourist prices.