Croatian Parliament to debate higher education law amendments

The Croatian Parliament is set to discuss urgent amendments to the Higher Education and Scientific Activity Act. The proposed changes would allow regular professors, professional study professors, and scientific advisors in permanent positions to work until the age of 67. Previously, employment contracts typically ended upon reaching retirement eligibility, usually at age 65. The government justifies this move as a necessity to retain top experts within the academic system.

The legislation also introduces several administrative reforms for public higher education institutions. It establishes a limit on mandates, preventing individuals who have served two terms as a rector or dean from being re-elected to the same institution, even after a break. Additionally, the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth will now require prior consent for the organization of general workplaces at universities. To facilitate professional advancement, a new position of ‘advisor lecturer’ will be introduced for lecturers and senior lecturers.

In related legislative discussions, the Parliament will also consider amendments to the Companies Act to align with EU directives regarding multiple voting rights shares, aimed at expanding financing options for entrepreneurs. Furthermore, changes to the Crafts Act are being discussed, which include the introduction of the ‘family craft’ institute to allow household members to assist without formal employment contracts.