# Croatia-Slovenia environmental and development disputes

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/croatia-slovenia-environmental-and-development-disputes
> Updated: 2026-10-30T07:33:11.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

Tensions between Croatia and Slovenia have emerged regarding infrastructure and environmental management. In Croatia, investors for the Marina Resort Cavtat have defended the project as a legal, strategic investment aligned with national tourism strategies. Meanwhile, in Slovenia, the Agraria cooperative is navigating administrative and market challenges to rebuild a commercial facility in Lucija following a 2024 fire.

Conflict has escalated regarding the Mokrice hydroelectric power plant on the Sava River. The Croatian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition has formally opposed the Slovenian-led project, citing risks to groundwater levels and the drinking water supply for the Zagreb metropolitan area. Croatian authorities expressed concerns over riverbed erosion, damage to Natura 2000 protected areas, and disrupted fish migration, arguing that the ecological costs of the Slovenian energy project will disproportionately affect Croatia.

In October 2026, the Slovenian government approved a decision to advance the Mokrice project. The developer, Hidroelektrarna na Spodnji Savi (HESS), stated that construction could begin as early as 2027, assuming no further legal proceedings arise. HESS claims the plant will provide renewable electricity for over 30,000 households and improve flood safety in the lower Posavje region, noting that the project involved cross-border consultations. Despite these claims, the plant remains a point of contention due to its proximity to the border, located only 500 meters from the Croatian side. Some experts suggest the Slovenian project could potentially be complemented by Croatia’s planned Zaprešić multi-purpose hydro-technical system to regulate river flow.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-30: Slovenia advances Mokrice hydroelectric plant project

Slovenia moves forward with the Mokrice hydroelectric plant project, aiming for a 2027 start, despite environmental and water supply concerns raised by Croatia.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovenia-advances-mokrice-hydroelectric-plant-project

### 2026-10-28: Croatia opposes Slovenia's Mokrice hydroelectric plant project

Croatia has rejected Slovenia's plan to build the Mokrice hydroelectric plant on the Sava River, citing risks to groundwater and Zagreb's drinking water supply.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hops-settles-ownership-dispute-with-serbia-over-energy-interconnection-line

### 2026-10-06: Coastal development projects face legal and administrative processes in Croatia and Slovenia

Investors defend the strategic Marina Resort Cavtat project in Croatia, while Slovenia's Agraria cooperative prepares to rebuild its Lucija facility following legal delays and a previous fire.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/coastal-development-projects-face-legal-and-administrative-processes-in-croatia-and-slovenia

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Cite as: Croatia-Slovenia environmental and development disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/croatia-slovenia-environmental-and-development-disputes