Croatia implements various economic support and investment programs

Croatia is launching several financial initiatives to support its economy and industry. The European Commission has approved a 60 million euro support program for energy-intensive industries, such as steel, paper, and chemicals, to compensate for high electricity costs linked to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). This measure aims to prevent companies from relocating outside the EU due to energy instability and geopolitical factors.

In the agricultural sector, the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR) has introduced a new credit program for the processing of agricultural products. With 18.6 million euros allocated, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises can apply for loans between 200,000 and 3 million euros, featuring potential principal write-offs of up to 40 percent to encourage local value addition.

Furthermore, HBOR and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have signed a 300 million euro agreement to finance investments for Croatian SMEs, with at least 30 percent of funds earmarked for green projects. Separately, the City of Varaždin secured a 25 million euro loan from the EIB to fund urban infrastructure, including schools, sports complexes, and fire stations.