Osijek Drava riverbank project controversy

The Drava riverbank development project in Osijek, Croatia, has faced significant opposition from environmental groups and political figures. The civic initiative “Za zeleni Pampas” has protested the construction of an embankment, specifically citing the use of approximately 6,000 tons of concrete within the “Natura 2000” biosphere reserve and the “Mura-Drava” regional park. The initiative has reported the investor, “Hrvatske vode,” to the State Inspectorate, alleging potential criminal acts related to the destruction of nature and official duty.

In an attempt to address these concerns, a petition was submitted to the European Commission alleging that the project by Hrvatske vode violated EU environmental directives, including the Habitats Directive and the Water Framework Directive. The Commission rejected the petition, stating that national authorities are responsible for ensuring projects do not negatively impact site integrity. Despite this, MEP Gordan Bosanac criticized a lack of transparency from the Croatian Ministry of Environmental Protection and noted that the European Parliament's Committee on Petitions had given unanimous support to the initiative.

On October 31, 2026, citizens held a protest against the planned embankment and promenade project on the right bank of the Drava river. Protesters expressed concerns that the 8.3 million euro project, led by Hrvatske vode in cooperation with the City of Osijek, will create a heat island and destroy a vital green oasis. The initiative is demanding an immediate halt to construction and a comprehensive environmental impact study, clarifying that they do not oppose urban development generally, but specifically oppose the extensive concreting of roughly two kilometers of the riverbank.