Croatia protects agricultural subsidies for women on maternity leave

Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, David Vlajčić, has announced new protections for women managing agricultural holdings. Speaking at the 26th selection of the most exemplary Croatian rural woman, Vlajčić stated that pregnancy, pregnancy complications, and the use of maternity, parental, paternity, or adoption leave will not result in the reduction or loss of support from the Strategic Plan of the CAP for Croatia 2023–2027.

The Ministry's decision aims to ensure that women do not have to choose between motherhood and managing their farms. These periods will be recognized as justified circumstances and will not be considered a breach of contractual obligations, provided that the employment relationship has not ended and other prescribed conditions are met. This move is intended to align agricultural policy with pronatalist goals and the principle of gender equality.