Dispatch from Croatia | January 鈥�25
***Our weekly Dispatches provide an overview of the most relevant recent and upcoming developments for the shift to climate neutrality in selected European countries, from policy and diplomacy to society and industry. For a bird's-eye view of the country's climate-friendly transition, read the respective 'Guide to'.***
Stories to watch in the weeks ahead
Stories to watch in the weeks ahead
- Presidential election: The second round of Croatia's presidential election will be held on 12 January. Current fell just short of victory in held on 29 December, missing the vote share needed for a straight victory by less than one percentage point. Milanovi膰, the candidate of the opposition , secured 49.1 percent of the vote. His main challenger, , representing the ruling , won 19.4 percent. In Croatia, 鈥� unable to veto laws but holding influence over foreign policy, defence, and security matters. Milanovi膰 is of the government. During his five-year term, which expires on 18 February, former prime minister Milanovi膰 with centre-right over foreign and public policy. He has also strongly criticised the European Union and NATO for their support of Ukraine.
- NECP Submission - Croatia will submit its updated National Energy and Climate Plan to the following months of delays. A was held from 12 November to 12 December, coming under heavy fire from environmentalists (see below). Croatia has increased the share of renewable energy sources in energy consumption from 36.4% to 42.5%, but many organisations were still left disappointed with its content.
- Nuclear waste challenges - Nuclear energy looks set to become one of the major topics in Croatia in 2025 as the country is , which it co-owns with Slovenia. Construction of a at the , located on the border with , is set to begin in 2025. The project is awaiting the issuance of a permit and the conduct of a public consultation. The for
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The latest from Croatia - last month in recap
The latest from Croatia - last month in recap
- Sharp criticism of NECP - The update of Croatia鈥檚 National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) has faced sharp criticism by environmentalists and renewable energy advocates for prioritising investments in fossil fuels, particularly gas infrastructure, while neglecting the country鈥檚 vast potential for solar energy production. Environmental organisations such as have called on the government to remove measures that encourage fossil fuel use, and to strengthen provisions for investing in renewable energy. Similarly, the economic-interest group derided the plan as a 鈥渓ist of half-hearted goals and missed opportunities鈥� which fails to serve as a decisive step towards a more climate-friendly future and greater energy independence. on 28 November, criticising the plan for allocating nearly 2 billion euros in public funds to expand gas infrastructure while failing to take advantage of Croatia鈥檚 large solar energy potential, leaving the country for solar energy use. the government of addressing climate challenges with new fossil fuel projects, including further drilling on land and in the Adriatic. She also criticised the plan鈥檚 reliance on the Kr拧ko nuclear power plant, noting its intended operation into 2050.
- Croatia set to gain another geothermal power plant - Turkish company has been by the economy ministry to extract geothermal water at the Legra 1 field , near the Hungarian border in northern Croatia. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the This region boasts significant geothermal potential, with a geothermal gradient 鈥� the rate of temperature change with increasing depth 鈥� 60 percent higher than the European average.
- Renewable energy projects stalled - and the estimate that around 40 major renewable energy projects are currently on hold in Croatia. This issue was discussed at the held in late November in Zagreb. For the second consecutive year, the Chamber鈥檚 Industry and Sustainable Development Sector has issued a highlighting the challenges posed by an unstable regulatory framework, which hinders the growth of renewable energy. The paper also addresses investor concerns, including such as grid connection fees, which have remained undefined since 2022.
- Rail modernisation - In December, Croatia of the 19-kilometre Vinkovci鈥揤ukovar railway, with 85 percent of funding provided by the EU. This project is part of a larger effort to modernise the country鈥檚 rail infrastructure.
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Katarina's picks - reading recommendations
Katarina's picks - reading recommendations
- Local climate action guide 鈥� The report from early December serves as a valuable tool for local authorities, showcasing examples of successful climate measures and energy transition initiatives based on positive experiences from seven EU countries.
- Digital tools for sustainability 鈥� The two new digital platforms and the , developed in collaboration between and the , to support the preservation of natural resources and the development of sustainable energy solutions.
- Social impact of decarbonisation - 鈥� presented a 鈥�, focusing on the process of phasing out gas. The analysis highlighted that replacing gas with renewable energy sources could improve energy security and affordability, create new jobs, and support energy-poor households.
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