Croatia launches industrial development strategy with 1.9 billion euro focus

Croatia has introduced the National Plan for the Development of the Republic of Croatia's Industry for the period 2027–2034. The strategy aims to modernize the manufacturing sector, which currently holds a low share of GDP among EU members, by focusing on high-value products, decarbonization, and increased productivity.

Significant funding is being directed toward modernization, energy transition, and strategic industries, specifically defense and high technology. As part of this initiative, the Croatian Development Bank (HBOR) has received 133 million euros from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan to invest in the defense and security sectors. HBOR President Hrvoje Čuvalo noted that these funds will be provided through investment strategies with favorable interest rates to support domestic companies, including those involved in military equipment exports.