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5 clusters · 12 sources · 35 days · First seen · Last updated

Croatian pension adjustments and HZMO updates

Overview

In August 2026, the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute (HZMO) announced a 5.40 percent increase in pension values, effective July 1, 2026. The adjustment was calculated using a combination of the average consumer price index and the average gross salary of employees in Croatia. The increase, which includes retroactive payments for July, was scheduled for distribution in September.

By September 2026, HZMO detailed plans for technological investments, allocating approximately 780,000 euros for IT maintenance and WAN network upgrades. While the pension adjustments were implemented, some retirees expressed dissatisfaction on social media, claiming the increases were insufficient to offset the rising cost of living. In early September 2026, the Croatian Party of Pensioners (HSU) highlighted legislative reforms, including a new indexation formula that shifted the ratio from 70:30 to 85:15 as of July 1, 2025, and the introduction of a permanent annual pension supplement.

On September 22, 2026, HZMO issued a notice regarding pensioners living abroad, requiring certain individuals to submit a “proof of life” document by October 31, 2026, to prevent improper disbursements.

By late September 2026, HZMO addressed concerns regarding its communication services following complaints about staff availability. The agency reported that its Infocenter manages approximately 50,000 calls and 20,000 emails annually, noting a 20 percent year-over-year increase in pension applications during the first half of the year. HZMO also disclosed that a recent cyberattack targeted the customer contact center; while pension funds remained secure, the agency noted that “some user information may have been accessed.”

Entities

Croatian Pension Insurance Institute · Republic of Croatia · Croatian Bureau of Statistics · HZMO · BADURINI d. o. o.

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    HZMO issues update on citizen communication and pension services

    The Croatian Pension Insurance Institute (HZMO) highlighted its Infocenter services, reporting high volumes of inquiries and a 20 percent increase in pension applications this year.

  2. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    HZMO requires proof of life from certain Croatian pensioners abroad

    Croatian pensioners living abroad must submit proof of life by October 31, 2026, unless HZMO successfully verified their status electronically or they reside in specific exempt countries.

  3. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Croatian Party of Pensioners reports major pension reforms

    The Croatian Party of Pensioners (HSU) reports significant pension reforms, including a new 85:15 indexation formula and permanent annual supplements for over 1.2 million retirees.

  4. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    HZMO allocates funds for IT upgrades and pension adjustments

    The Croatian Pension Insurance Institute (HZMO) is investing 780,000 euros in IT and network upgrades while implementing a 5.40 percent pension adjustment that has drawn criticism from retirees.

  5. [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    HZMO announces 5.40 percent pension increase in Croatia

    The Croatian Pension Insurance Institute announced a 5.40 percent pension increase effective July 1, 2026, with payments including July retroactivity to be distributed in September.

Sources

ana.rs · eventbrite.co.uk · karlovacki.hr · mirovina.hr · n1info.hr · novosti.hr · podravski.hr · poslovni.hr · riportal.net.hr · shredfem.com · teleskop.hr · zagreb.info

This summary has been updated 5 times: see revision history