Slovenia and Croatia clarify annual leave requirements

In Slovenia, the labour code mandates that at least one portion of an employee’s annual leave must be a continuous period of two weeks. While the total leave can be taken in several parts, a block of at least fourteen consecutive days is required, and public holidays that fall within that block do not interrupt its continuity. Employers must ensure the full entitlement is used within the calendar year and may ask workers to schedule the two‑week segment in advance.

In Croatia, the Labour Act guarantees a minimum of four weeks of paid annual leave per year. The exact number of days depends on the work schedule – 20 days for a five‑day week and 24 days for a six‑day week – and collective agreements or seniority can increase the entitlement, with some employees receiving up to 30 days. Online discussions have highlighted misconceptions about a “summer‑long” break, confirming that even teachers must work during the vacation period.