# Croatia domestic policy & development – Aug 2026 > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/croatia-rolls-out-new-domestic-policy-measures-in-agriculture-and-early-education > Updated: 2026-08-22T18:35:43.000Z. Sources: 234. Developments: 175. The €17.19 million EU‑backed SME grant call stays on track for a September launch while the Slunj eco‑project proceeds on its 2026‑2028 schedule. Social‑care pressure continues: the Sigurna Kuća shelter rejected 18 applicants in 2025, and the Poreč Home for the Elderly and Disabled will add 35 beds with an €8 million municipal investment by 2027. The retirees’ association celebrated its 80th anniversary and runs six EU‑funded active‑aging programmes for roughly half a million low‑income pensioners. Infrastructure finance was refined on 18 July: the government issued a state guarantee for HŽ Infrastruktura’s €30 million revolving loan at a fixed 1.93 % rate for 12 months, supporting projects under the Connecting Europe Facility, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Competitiveness and Cohesion Programme. Health monitoring reported 63 suspected vaccine adverse reactions in 2024 – a 25 % decline – chiefly mild, with the highest number linked to Gardasil 9. Urban greening moved forward: Dubrovnik’s “Drvored” scheme will plant 57 trees and upgrade streets, costing €447 912 (62 % funded by the national environmental fund); Labin will convert a former non‑hazardous waste dump into a permanent green area with €1.89 million from the Recovery Plan. Pension policy was expanded: retirees who resume paid work can apply for a recalculated pension after a year of service, as illustrated by Dr Luka Pirnat, who settled on Veli Iž and revived local medical care. Krapina‑Zagorje County raised its grant ceiling for senior organisations to €11 235 per contract, approving 13 of 23 applications for IT equipment, office supplies and small inventory to improve services for pensioners. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-22: Croatia implements community programs to support elderly social inclusion Community programs in Bizovac and Karlovac, Croatia, are providing free workshops, social activities, and psychosocial support to help seniors reduce isolation and improve quality of life. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-implements-community-programs-to-support-elderly-social-inclusion ### 2026-08-02: Croatia's 'Zlatni val' program provides free summer activities for seniors Croatia's 'Zlatni val' offers free digital‑literacy, cultural and outdoor activities for seniors in Rijeka this August, funded by EU and state sources. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatias-zlatni-val-program-provides-free-summer-activities-for-seniors ### 2026-07-30: Croatia funds hospitals with €125 million to clear debts Croatia will allocate about €125 million to hospitals to repay debts and maintain services, while also approving a €32 million cadastral renewal program. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-funds-hospitals-with-125-million-to-clear-debts ### 2026-07-30: Croatian towns roll out major infrastructure upgrades Croatian towns and nearby municipalities are completing roads, water, bike lanes and green projects, including Rakovica’s water upgrades, Dubrovnik’s tree planting, Vinkovci’s bike paths, and Buzet’s new water‑ 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dubrovnik-expands-urban-tree-canopy-with-62-new-plantings ### 2026-07-27: Croatia allocates nearly €5 million for 320 local sport programmes in 2026 Croatia’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports earmarks almost €5 million for 320 local sport programmes in 2026, extending a decade‑long investment that has reached over 720 000 users. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-allocates-nearly-5-million-for-320-local-sport-programmes-in-2026 ### 2026-07-24: Croatia expands financial aid for pensioners and seniors Croatia’s Krapina county increased grants for senior NGOs, while Veliko Trojstvo joins an EU‑funded project delivering food and hygiene aid to thousands of pensioners. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-expands-financial-aid-for-pensioners-and-seniors ### 2026-07-22: Croatia's Požega‑Slavonia tourism board receives €300k grant, OPGs eligible for up to €20k support Croatia allocates €300k to Požega‑Slavonia’s tourism board for projects and launches a €700k grant call offering OPGs up to €20k to support hospitality services. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatias-poegaslavonia-tourism-board-receives-300k-grant-opgs-eligible-for-up-to-20k-support ### 2026-07-20: Konjščina Mayor Announces Awards for Top Students and Graduates Konjščina’s mayor launched a call for awards for pupils with top matura scores and university students with dean or rector honors; applications close 30 July 2026. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/konjina-mayor-announces-awards-for-top-students-and-graduates ### 2026-07-19: Croatia sees continued net migration gain despite declining inflows In 2025 Croatia saw 56,665 inbound migrants and 37,485 departures, a net gain of 19,180—down from 2024’s 31,000. Foreign nationals (mainly from Germany, Bosnia‑Herzegovina, Nepal) made up roughly 70 % of the in 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-sees-56665-migrants-arrive-in-2024-led-by-germany-bosnia-and-nepal ### 2026-07-18: Croatia expands pension recalculation rules as retired doctor settles on Veli Iž Croatia allows retirees who work again to apply for a pension recalculation after a year, and a retired Sarajevo doctor has settled on Veli Iž, becoming the island’s beloved physician. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-expands-pension-recalculation-rules-as-retired-doctor-settles-on-veli-i ### 2026-07-18: Croatia launches major urban greening projects in Dubrovnik and Labin Croatia advances two urban greening initiatives: a tree‑planting project in Dubrovnik and the conversion of Labin's former waste dump into a green space, funded by national and environmental funds. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-launches-major-urban-greening-projects-in-dubrovnik-and-labin ### 2026-07-18: Croatia reports 63 suspected vaccine adverse reactions in 2024 Croatia's health authority recorded 63 suspected vaccine adverse reactions in 2024, down from 83 in 2023, mostly mild and linked to routine vaccines including HPV (Gardasil 9); COVID‑19 vaccines not included. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-reports-63-suspected-vaccine-adverse-reactions-in-2024 ### 2026-07-18: Croatian Railway Firm HŽ Infrastruktura Secures €30 million Revolving Loan Croatia’s government backed a €30 million revolving loan for railway operator HŽ Infrastruktura to fund EU‑linked projects, plus a €513 k loan for Novigrad road works. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatias-ministry-approves-132m-for-municipal-road-and-infrastructure-projects ### 2026-07-17: Zagreb tackles waste‑bin shortage and graffiti cleanup Zagreb residents report a lack of street waste bins, while the city cleans 74 graffiti‑marked buildings, funding the effort with €1.2 million and new rapid‑response procedures. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zagreb-tackles-wastebin-shortage-and-graffiti-cleanup ### 2026-07-17: Zagreb homelessness crisis highlighted as city shelters reach just 115 beds Zagreb shelters only 115 beds as homelessness rises; critics blame the city administration for inadequate support for vulnerable residents, including veterans and women fleeing abuse. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zagreb-homelessness-crisis-highlighted-as-city-shelters-reach-just-115-beds ### 2026-07-17: Croatian households' financial assets rise to €120 bn while debts hit €32 bn Croatian households' financial assets grew to €120 bn in Q1 2026, up 8.8% YoY, while liabilities rose to €32 bn, up 12.2% YoY. Overall economy assets hit €517 bn, liabilities €546 bn. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-households-financial-assets-rise-to-120-bn-while-debts-hit-32-bn ### 2026-07-17: Croatia’s net migration slows while births rise slightly and divorces hit record levels Croatia’s net migration fell to a 19,180‑person surplus in 2025, births rose 1.3 % to 32,479, deaths dropped, and divorces hit a record 2,185. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-records-modest-rise-in-births-and-marriages-but-natural-population-decline-deepens-in-2025 ### 2026-07-16: Croatia's Rastovača Cave Cleanup Removes Decades of Illegal Waste Croatia initiates a €38,562 cave cleanup to remove years of illegal waste from Rastovača, using manual ex‑situ methods and local support, with preventive measures planned. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatias-rastovaa-cave-cleanup-removes-decades-of-illegal-waste ### 2026-07-16: Croatia expands asbestos compensation for former Plobest and Salonit workers Croatia amended laws to extend asbestos compensation to former Plobest and Salonit workers and their heirs, covering up to 563 claimants with €29,100 each, funded with €9.4 million. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-expands-asbestos-compensation-for-former-plobest-and-salonit-workers ### 2026-07-16: Croatia allocates €35 million to certified seed and seedling program Croatia approved a €35 million five‑year programme to subsidise certified seed and seedlings for soy, legumes and horticulture, covering about 300 000 ha and 80 000 farmers. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-allocates-35-million-to-certified-seed-and-seedling-program ### 2026-07-16: Croatian libraries roll out summer programs and VR upgrade in Vukovar Zadar's city library offers health checks and online‑safety workshops in late August, while Vukovar's Bibliobus celebrates 20 years with a €4,000‑funded VR/AR upgrade to boost digital literacy. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-libraries-roll-out-summer-programs-and-vr-upgrade-in-vukovar ### 2026-07-16: Mayor Miro Bulj blamed for Mojanka landfill crisis Mayor Miro Bulj of Sinj is held responsible by owners of the Čistoća Cetinske krajine consortium for the closure of the Mojanka landfill after he failed to provide the promised financial guarantee, prompting a 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mayor-miro-bulj-blamed-for-mojanka-landfill-crisis ### 2026-07-16: Serbian and Croatian towns secure millions for road and recycling projects Serbian town begins a 35 million‑dinar road rehab, while Croatian municipalities receive €40,600 for road asphalt and €12,300 for recycling‑yard planning. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-and-croatian-towns-secure-millions-for-road-and-recycling-projects ### 2026-07-16: Krapinsko‑zagorska County Awards €91,000 Tourism Grants Croatian Župan Željko Kolar granted €91,111 in non‑repayable tourism subsidies to 20 operators in Krapinsko‑zagorska, boosting accommodation quality and reporting a 7‑8% rise in arrivals. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/krapinskozagorska-county-awards-91000-tourism-grants ### 2026-07-15: Croatian and Bosnian towns host municipal festivals Croatian and Bosnian towns held municipal festivals featuring concerts, sports, infrastructure projects, food fairs and cultural displays, highlighting local development and community celebrations. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-towns-mark-municipal-day-with-new-infrastructure-projects ### 2026-07-15: Croatia records surge in university applications while 900 students face housing shortage Croatia sees a record 33,422 university applicants and popular study programmes, while 900 students risk lacking dorm housing due to renovations, prompting calls for higher subsidies and new dorms. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-records-surge-in-university-applications-while-900-students-face-housing-shortage ### 2026-07-15: Croatian Retirees Association Marks 80 Years, Rolls Out Active‑Aging Projects Croatian retirees’ association celebrates 80 years and launches EU‑funded active‑ageing programmes, aiming to aid half a million pensioners with low incomes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-retirees-association-marks-80-years-rolls-out-activeaging-projects ### 2026-07-15: Croatia Begins Disbursing National Elderly Allowance to 19,415 Recipients Croatia will start paying a €160.22 monthly national allowance to 19,415 elderly citizens on July 17, costing over €3.1 million; eligibility requires age 65+, ten‑year residence and low income. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-begins-disbursing-national-elderly-allowance-to-19415-recipients ### 2026-07-15: Croatia's Agency for Legal Transactions Publishes Final List for Affordable Rental Program APN released the final list for Croatia's affordable rental program, approving 1,103 of 1,315 applications, outlining tenant eligibility, property inventory of 282 private units and 329 state apartments under R 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatias-agency-for-legal-transactions-publishes-final-list-for-affordable-rental-program ### 2026-07-15: Croatian municipalities Barban and Pregrada announce school supply subsidies and adult education director hiring Barban will co‑fund €40 vouchers for school notebooks for 2026/27 pupils, while Pregrada opened a tender to appoint a new director of its adult education centre, requiring a university degree and five years’ ‑ 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-municipalities-barban-and-pregrada-announce-school-supply-subsidies-and-adult-education-dir ### 2026-07-15: Croatia to let delinquent parents repay child‑support debt with public work Croatia will let parents who default on child‑support repay state‑paid benefits by performing public work such as cleaning streets or assisting in elder‑care facilities. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-to-let-delinquent-parents-repay-childsupport-debt-with-public-work ### 2026-07-14: Croatia's Social Care Homes Overcrowded, Expansion Plans Announced Croatia's shelters for domestic‑violence victims and the elderly face full capacity; a new facility is needed in Međimurje and an €8 million expansion will raise Poreč's elderly home to 120 beds by 2027. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatias-social-care-homes-overcrowded-expansion-plans-announced ### 2026-07-14: Bosnia signs 950,000 KM contracts for tourism and waste projects Bosnia’s environment minister signed 950,000 BAM contracts for tourism, hazardous‑waste cleanup and landfill projects; a new federal waste plan aims for circular management. Croatia’s Jelenje secured 25,000 EUR 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bosnias-environment-minister-nasiha-pozder-signs-950000-km-of-tourism-and-wastecleanup-contracts-in- ### 2026-07-14: Zagreb boosts funding for child mental health services as 30% of youth remain underserved Zagreb has more than doubled its budget for child counseling and mental‑health programs, yet 30% of youths still lack care; 20% show issues, only one‑fifth receive treatment. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zagreb-boosts-funding-for-child-mental-health-services-as-30-of-youth-remain-underserved ### 2026-07-13: Croatia waste scandal: illegal dumping sites and Mojanka landfill controversy Croatian officials expose a network of illegal waste dumps, including a new site in Lički Osik, while Sinj’s mayor warns the Mojanka landfill closure could leave the town without disposal ahead of holidays, blâ 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-towns-act-on-illegal-waste-dumping-in-pula-and-gospi ### 2026-07-13: Croatia expands mobile library service with new bibliokombi vehicles Croatia’s libraries in Split and Daruvar are adding bibliokombi mobile units, funded by the European Social Fund, to boost reading and inclusion for vulnerable communities. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-expands-mobile-library-service-with-new-bibliokombi-vehicles ### 2026-07-13: Croatia allocates EU cohesion funds to industry innovation and green infrastructure Croatia earmarks EU cohesion funds for a €17.2 bn processing‑industry innovation grant programme and a €1.0 m green‑infrastructure project in Slunj, both under the 2021‑2027 plan. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-allocates-eu-cohesion-funds-to-industry-innovation-and-green-infrastructure ### 2026-07-13: Croatia grants EU funds to 12 municipalities for infrastructure and community projects Croatia’s Ministry of Regional Development and EU funds allotted €260,000 to six Međimurje municipalities and €759,500 to 22 projects in Koprivnica‑Križevci, covering sewage, roads, bridges and community spaces 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-grants-eu-funds-to-12-municipalities-for-infrastructure-and-community-projects ### 2026-07-13: Croatia may lose major EU cohesion funding as budget priorities shift EU cohesion policy, a key source of billions for Croatia’s development, faces possible cuts as the next budget may favour defence and technology, risking regional projects. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-may-lose-major-eu-cohesion-funding-as-budget-priorities-shift ### 2026-07-13: Croatia's state agency disburses over €4 million in child support payments Croatia's Agency for Workers’ Claims paid €4.06 million in child support for 3,342 children in 2024 after a new law expanded its role, and also settled €3.34 million in workers’ claims. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatias-state-agency-disburses-over-4-million-in-child-support-payments ### 2026-07-12: Croatia expands elderly care with new home in Split and 10‑year anniversary in Konavle Croatia marks a decade of full‑capacity care at Dom Konavle while approving a design contract to turn Split’s Hotel Zagreb into a larger elderly‑care centre. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-expands-elderly-care-with-new-home-in-split-and-10year-anniversary-in-konavle ### 2026-07-12: Croatia records higher births and abortions, rising caesarean rates and falling child vaccination coverage Croatia saw 32,936 births in 2024, a rise in caesarean sections to 30% of deliveries, 3,170 induced abortions (highest since 2012), and declining child vaccination rates, with some regions below 60% coverage. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-sees-rise-in-births-and-legal-abortions-with-teen-pregnancies-reported ### 2026-07-11: Croatia sees record demand for student dorms in Zagreb and Split Croatia faces a surge in applications for student dorms in Zagreb and Split, outstripping available spots; subsidies are added and renovations will cut capacity temporarily. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/student-housing-shortage-intensifies-in-zagreb-and-split ### 2026-07-11: Croatian House in Sombor Starts Reconstruction with Croatian Funding Reconstruction of the Croatian House in Sombor, Serbia, funded by Croatia (€3.5 m total, €830 k for the site), began with a ceremony led by Jasna Vojnić and aims to finish by year‑end, part of a project to rev­ 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-house-in-sombor-starts-reconstruction-with-croatian-funding ### 2026-07-11: Croatian charitable projects aid families and caregivers Croatia's Caritas provided free seaside holidays to four families, while a Zagreb‑based program funded with €145k offers respite care for 20 parent‑caregivers, aiming to support families of people with special‑ 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-charitable-projects-aid-families-and-caregivers ### 2026-07-10: Croatia allocates €19 million in green‑infrastructure grants to Velika Gorica and Imotski Croatia approves €19 million in green‑infrastructure grants for Velika Gorica and a €34 k kindergarten project in Imotski, part of a €120 million nationwide program. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-allocates-19-million-in-greeninfrastructure-grants-to-velika-gorica-and-imotski ### 2026-07-10: Croatia earmarks €4 million for Croat farmers in Bosnia and Herzegovina Croatia will provide €4 million to Croat farmers in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2026‑28, alongside €240 000 county subsidies and a new national business‑development grant. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-and-serbia-allocate-regional-subsidies-for-agriculture-and-wastemanagement-upgrades ### 2026-07-09: Croatia's retirees face poverty as officials call for stronger age‑rights protections Croatia’s retirees, over a third living in poverty, push for a new seniors’ law and dedicated ombudsman, while Serbia’s equality commissioner warns against age discrimination and calls for respectful public‑dis 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatias-retirees-face-poverty-as-officials-call-for-stronger-agerights-protections ### 2026-07-09: Croatia's Split‑Dalmatia County allocates €748 k for local development projects Split‑Dalmatia County received €748 k in 16 infrastructure contracts under a €11 m national development programme, overseen by minister Nataša Mikuš Žigman. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zeniko-dobojski-kanton-allocates-150000-km-to-80-environmental-projects ### 2026-07-09: Stari Jankovci municipality signs €3 million green‑transition deal and expands local infrastructure Stari Jankovci officials, visited by a Serbian community delegation, signed a €3 million green‑transition contract and reported new bike paths, renovated sports facilities, a reopened health centre and plans to 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stari-jankovci-municipality-signs-3-million-greentransition-deal-and-expands-local-infrastructure ### 2026-07-08: Rijeka launches two EU‑funded support projects for addicts and homeless Rijeka’s city administration and NGOs launched two EU‑funded initiatives: RESET to deliver 2,600 addiction‑support services and Kre‑ni‑mo to aid about 100 homeless residents over three years. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rijeka-launches-two-eufunded-support-projects-for-addicts-and-homeless ### 2026-07-08: Croatia earmarks €1.2 million for diaspora return and integration programmes Croatia’s Ministry of Demography offers €1.2 million in grants for diaspora return projects and a €509,000 pilot to aid housing, services and diploma translation for returning Croatians. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-earmarks-12-million-to-boost-diaspora-return-and-integration ### 2026-07-07: Croatia to abolish pension income tax in 2027, affecting over 500,000 retirees Croatia will end pension income tax on 1 Jan 2027, affecting over 500,000 retirees; benefits will be uneven, favoring higher pensions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-to-abolish-pension-income-tax-in-2027-affecting-over-500000-retirees ### 2026-07-07: Croatian cities expand youth council initiatives and projects Virovitica and Rijeka city officials outlined new projects and ongoing cooperation with their Youth Councils, covering school construction, cultural facilities, scholarships and plans for housing, employment,‑c 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-cities-expand-youth-council-initiatives-and-projects ### 2026-07-07: Croatia to launch €22 million electric‑vehicle co‑funding programme Croatia's environment fund unveiled a €22 million autumn co‑funding call for citizen electric‑vehicle purchases, building on €63 million already spent on 11,000 e‑vehicles and a broader €974 million sustainable 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-to-launch-22-million-electricvehicle-cofunding-programme ### 2026-07-06: Croatia's film fund denies Vukovar movie, allocates €950,000 to 'Svadba 2 Croatia’s film fund gave no production money to the Vukovar feature, allocating €950,000 to the sequel ‘Svadba 2’; party DOMiNO’s Mario Radić called the split a cultural‑policy failure. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatias-film-fund-denies-vukovar-movie-allocates-950000-to-svadba-2 ### 2026-07-06: Herzegovina‑Neretva Canton and Zadarska County Launch Subsidized Credit Programs Herzegovina‑Neretva Canton will subsidize interest on nine business credit lines, while Zadar County approves subsidized housing loans for twelve families, supporting regional economic and demographic goals. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/herzegovinaneretva-canton-and-zadarska-county-launch-subsidized-credit-programs ### 2026-07-06: Croatian Krapinsko‑Zagorska County honors top students and mentors Krapinsko‑Zagorska County in Croatia awarded €43,500 and spa tickets to 57 top‑placing students and mentors at a ceremony on 6 July 2026. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-krapinskozagorska-county-honors-top-students-and-mentors ### 2026-07-06: Croatia allocates millions to regional health, social and green projects Croatia approves €152k for tourism events, builds a disability centre, opens a €2.7 m hospice, funds addiction and homelessness projects in Rijeka, and allocates €19.1 m for green infrastructure in Zagreb area. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rijeka-secures-270k-addiction-support-program-and-53m-green-infrastructure-funding ### 2026-07-05: Croatia and Serbia roll out new regional waste‑separation programmes Croatia’s Brod‑Posavina County and Serbia’s Pirot centre launch new waste‑separation programmes to improve recycling and meet European standards. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-and-serbia-roll-out-new-regional-wasteseparation-programmes ### 2026-07-05: Matulji and Sveta Nedelja honor top primary school students Croatian towns Matulji and Sveta Nedelja held award ceremonies honoring top primary school students for academic and extracurricular achievements. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/matulji-and-sveta-nedelja-honor-top-primary-school-students ### 2026-07-05: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia approve major public infrastructure contracts Bosnia's Tuzla Canton allocated 650,000 KM for waste‑management upgrades, while Croatia signed €10.3 M contracts to irrigate 447 ha in Lukač, both backed by public funds. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bosnia-and-herzegovina-and-croatia-approve-major-public-infrastructure-contracts ### 2026-07-04: Water infrastructure upgrades underway in Široki Brijeg (BA) and Stobreč (HR) Široki Brijeg (BA) started new sewer and water‑network works, while Stobreč (HR) finished a €321 m water‑supply upgrade, both improving local infrastructure. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/water-infrastructure-upgrades-underway-in-iroki-brijeg-ba-and-stobre-hr ### 2026-07-04: Zagreb extends third cycle of neighbourhood improvement scheme Zagreb’s third “Better District” cycle runs 6 July‑16 August, offering €1.762 million for 13 districts' public‑space projects, with citizen voting to select plans. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zagreb-extends-third-cycle-of-neighbourhood-improvement-scheme ### 2026-07-03: Croatian Youth Rank Fourth in Europe for Median Net Wealth Croatian 16‑34‑year‑olds have a median net worth of €82k, ranking fourth in Europe after Malta, Luxembourg and Belgium, driven by property ownership and family support. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-youth-rank-fourth-in-europe-for-median-net-wealth ### 2026-07-02: Croatia's Pension System Faces Rising Costs as Early-Year Spending Hits 40% of Annual Budget Croatia spent 40% of its annual pension budget in the first four months, with total outlays rising to €7.2 bn in 2023 and projected over €10 bn by 2027; June 2026 payments begin on 8 July for 1.23 million claim 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatias-pension-system-faces-rising-costs-as-early-year-spending-hits-40-of-annual-budget ### 2026-07-01: Croatia faces demographic shift from Bosnian roots and rising poverty affecting one‑fifth of citizens About 40 % of Croatians have Bosnian heritage, while 19.5 % of the population lived below the poverty risk line in 2025, especially singles and the elderly. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-faces-demographic-shift-from-bosnian-roots-and-rising-poverty-affecting-onefifth-of-citizens ### 2026-07-01: Croatia and Bosnia commit over €250 million to rail and road upgrades Croatia will finish a €25 million railway upgrade by 2027, while Bosnia signs 46.3 million KM contracts to maintain 2 450 km of roads, together spending over €250 million on transport infrastructure. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-and-bosnia-commit-over-250-million-to-rail-and-road-upgrades ### 2026-07-01: Herceg Novi and Croatia launch Adriatic marine clean‑up initiatives Herceg Novi (ME) and Croatia launch separate Adriatic sea clean‑up projects, targeting underwater waste with municipal funding and tech‑driven actions, respectively. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/herceg-novi-and-croatia-launch-adriatic-marine-cleanup-initiatives ### 2026-07-01: Pula Municipality Awards €58,161 in Grants to Local Entrepreneurs Pula mayor approved €58,161 in grants for 22 local entrepreneurs under the 2026 POTPORE PULA‑POLA program, covering start‑ups, digitalisation, equipment, training and handcrafted products. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pula-municipality-awards-58161-in-grants-to-local-entrepreneurs ### 2026-06-30: Croatia's Agency Publishes Affordable Rental Program Applicant Lists Croatia's APN released priority lists for its affordable rental program: 1,098 of 1,315 applicants approved, 202 rejected, with rent capped at 30% of income and dozens of private and state apartments slated for 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatias-agency-publishes-affordable-rental-program-applicant-lists ### 2026-06-30: Croatian municipalities launch cash awards for pupils and students Sveta Marija and Mursko Središće (Croatia) will give cash awards to pupils and students for academic and extracurricular achievements, with applications due Aug‑Oct 2026. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-municipalities-launch-cash-awards-for-pupils-and-students ### 2026-06-30: Croatia hosts inaugural meeting of young returnees to tackle reintegration hurdles Around 100 young Croatians returned from abroad met in Zagreb, highlighting administrative hurdles and urging better institutional coordination while noting Croatia’s safety, culture and opportunities. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-hosts-inaugural-meeting-of-young-returnees-to-tackle-reintegration-hurdles ### 2026-06-30: Croatia details age and contribution rules for retirement pensions Croatia sets pension eligibility at 65 with 15 years of contributions, offers early retirement for long‑service workers, and phases gender‑specific age rules until 2030. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-details-age-and-contribution-rules-for-retirement-pensions ### 2026-06-30: Croatian military and police pensions rise by €420 over six years Croatia’s 16,300 military and police retirees now receive an average pension of €950, up €424 since 2020, with the highest old‑age pension at €1,010. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-military-and-police-pensions-rise-by-420-over-six-years ### 2026-06-29: Croatian towns launch €3‑plus million infrastructure upgrades Croatian towns Županja, Garešnica and Vukovar‑Srijemska are rolling out multi‑million‑euro infrastructure projects funded largely by EU and national money. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-towns-launch-3plus-million-infrastructure-upgrades ### 2026-06-29: EU directs €79 billion to environmental protection in 2025 The EU invested €79 billion in environmental assets in 2025, with wastewater treatment leading (37.7 %). Corporations funded 62.7 % of this spending; Croatia’s share of GDP remains below the EU average. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-directs-79-billion-to-environmental-protection-in-2025 ### 2026-06-28: Croatia boosts 2027 budget spending and reallocates 2026 gambling revenues Croatia's 2027 budget will increase by €821 million, boosting pensions, infrastructure and defence, while 2026 gambling revenues are re‑allocated, giving sport 36.8% and new shares to veterans and demographic‑v 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-boosts-2027-budget-spending-and-reallocates-2026-gambling-revenues ### 2026-06-27: Croatian local authorities award €279,000 in grants to small businesses Istria County and Punat municipality in Croatia allocated €279,000 in grants to SMEs for digitalisation, equipment and off‑season hospitality, supporting 79 projects county‑wide and several local start‑ups. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-local-authorities-award-279000-in-grants-to-small-businesses ### 2026-06-27: Croatia becomes top EU destination for Serbian migrants amid Vučić's policies Croatian journalist Gordan Malić claims Serbia's Vučić regime is driving a demographic exodus, making Croatia the top EU destination for Serbian migrants, with Eurostat reporting over 54,000 arrivals from 2013‑ 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-becomes-top-eu-destination-for-serbian-migrants-amid-vuis-policies ### 2026-06-26: Koprivnica‑Križevci County adopts 2026 budget with extra health funding Koprivnica‑Križevci County approved a 2026 budget rebalancing, adding almost €1 M for health‑system incentives, increased school transport funds and support for tourism and agriculture. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/koprivnicakrievci-county-adopts-2026-budget-with-extra-health-funding ### 2026-06-26: Inovapro launches €17 million biogas plant in Čaporice, Croatia Inovapro opened a €17 million biogas plant in Čaporice, Croatia, using dry anaerobic digestion to turn 13 000 t of bio‑waste yearly into electricity, heat and organic fertilizer, backed by EU funding and the EU 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/inovapro-launches-17-million-biogas-plant-in-aporice-croatia ### 2026-06-26: Croatian Government Extends Earthquake Relief Measures Croatia extends six‑month earthquake aid, covering utility bills, RTV fees, free highway and train travel, and co‑funds a €3 million music school project. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-government-extends-earthquake-relief-measures ### 2026-06-25: Croatian libraries roll out summer programs in Zadar and Fratar Zadar's library hosts health screenings, cultural workshops and marine‑environment talks, while Fratar Island opens a free summer library featuring Brane Jaković's new book. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-libraries-roll-out-summer-programs-in-zadar-and-fratar ### 2026-06-25: EU‑funded “Uz tebe” program launches in Daruvar, Croatia Croatia’s Daruvar municipality and IMPRESS Daruvar launch the EU‑funded “Uz tebe” project, a €299 k three‑year programme supporting adults with disabilities and seniors with transport, legal aid and psychos‑soc 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eufunded-uz-tebe-program-launches-in-daruvar-croatia ### 2026-06-25: Dubrovnik opens new senior care centre, first major elderly home in the city Dubrovnik inaugurated a €22.9 M senior care centre with 205 beds, attended by Prime Minister Plenković and local officials, funded partly by EU recovery aid and part of a national rollout of 18 new homes. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-launches-pilot-active-ageing-programmes-for-seniors ### 2026-06-24: Gospić illegal waste site cleanup stalls as protest looms Gospić’s illegal waste site remains uncleaned, costing up to €50 million; officials pledge action but citizens plan a protest, citing no visible progress. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gospi-schedules-wastemanagement-conference-and-mushroom-festival-amid-upcoming-protest ### 2026-06-24: Croatia to overhaul cadastral register for 132,000 parcels by 2027 Croatia's DGU plans to renew cadastral records for over 132,000 parcels on 14,441 ha by 2027, part of a €401 million 2021‑2030 programme, aiming to boost legal certainty and investment. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-to-overhaul-cadastral-register-for-132000-parcels-by-2027 ### 2026-06-24: Croatian Minister Branko Bačić Allocates €10.6 million for Green Projects in Sisačko‑Moslavačka and Istria Croatian minister Branko Bačić awarded €10.6 million for green‑infrastructure projects in Sisačko‑Moslavačka and €9.9 million in Istria, part of a €131 million national programme to boost sustainable urban dev​ 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatias-minister-branko-bai-allocates-106-million-for-green-infrastructure-projects ### 2026-06-24: Zagreb cancels €40 million water‑meter procurement tender Zagreb’s €40 million remote water‑meter reading tender was annulled by the State Procurement Commission, leading to a USKOK probe, the resignation of director Marko Blažević, and a €66,360 reimbursement order. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zagreb-cancels-40-million-watermeter-procurement-tender ### 2026-06-24: Croatia braces for lower EU farm funding and worsening regional inequality Croatia faces reduced EU farm subsidies and a shrinking budget, while the under‑developed Osijek‑Baranja region warns new hunting‑law changes will further burden farmers. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-braces-for-lower-eu-farm-funding-and-worsening-regional-inequality ### 2026-06-24: Croatia funds translation of foreign diplomas for four diaspora members Croatia’s Ministry of Demography allocated €25,000 to translate four diaspora members' foreign diplomas, easing qualification recognition for returnees. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-funds-translation-of-foreign-diplomas-for-four-diaspora-members ### 2026-06-24: Croatia launches public funding call for Roma settlement construction Croatia's ministry opened a €79,634‑funded public call for local units to develop spatial plans and construction documentation for Roma settlements, with applications due by 22 August. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-launches-public-funding-call-for-roma-settlement-construction ### 2026-06-23: Croatia funds Slatina water system and Župa dubrovačka beach promenade upgrades Croatia allocates €55,000 to Slatina's water‑sewage upgrade and €170,000 to Župa dubrovačka's Beterina beach promenade, both funded by state programmes to improve local infrastructure and attract investment. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-funds-slatina-water-system-and-upa-dubrovaka-beach-promenade-upgrades ### 2026-06-23: Croatia's Veliki Bukovec and Knin co‑fund school notebooks for 2026‑27 Croatian municipalities Veliki Bukovec and Knin will co‑finance work notebooks and other school supplies for primary pupils in the 2026‑27 school year, with application deadlines in late September. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatias-veliki-bukovec-and-knin-cofund-school-notebooks-for-202627 ### 2026-06-23: Croatia launches free summer park program in Pazin and Bookaj book festival in Zabok Croatia's Pazin park festival offers 28 free summer programs, while Zabok's Bookaj festival presents free books, talks, VR cinema and concerts for all ages. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-launches-free-summer-park-program-in-pazin-and-bookaj-book-festival-in-zabok ### 2026-06-20: Croatia sees sharp drop in net emigration as return migration rises DataPulse research finds Croatia’s net emigration fell ~80% (to 3,429) from 2019‑24, with 7 returnees per 10 leavers, aided by higher wages, euro and Schengen entry; yet natural decline of ~19,000 persists. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-sees-sharp-drop-in-net-emigration-as-return-migration-rises ### 2026-06-19: Croatia allocates €3.3 million to 25 cross‑border projects supporting Croat communities in Serbia Croatia granted 25 cross‑border contracts worth €3.3 million to support Croat communities in Serbia, plus €327,599 for nine projects in Vukovar‑Srijemska County. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-funds-25-crossborder-projects-for-croat-community-in-serbia ### 2026-06-19: Croatia advances €150 million Piškornica waste centre project Croatia’s €150 million Piškornica waste centre is half‑completed, with trial runs slated for 2025 and full operation by 2027, serving 500 k people and cutting CO₂ by 45 k tonnes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-advances-150-million-pikornica-waste-centre-project ### 2026-06-19: Croatia's Minister Alen Ružić waives debts for inclusive benefit recipients Croatia's social minister Alen Ružić cancels repayment demands for over‑paid inclusive benefits, writing off debts for about 2,400 recipients and returning previously repaid sums. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatias-minister-alen-rui-waives-debts-for-inclusive-benefit-recipients --- Cite as: Croatia domestic policy & development – Aug 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/croatia-rolls-out-new-domestic-policy-measures-in-agriculture-and-early-education