Croatia unveils 3B euros strategy to modernise industry

At a session of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the National Plan for the Development of Croatian Industry for the 2027–2034 period was adopted, together with the accompanying Action Plan for 2027–2030.

The total estimated cost of implementing the National Plan is nearly €3 billion, of which €1.887 billion is earmarked for measures under the Action Plan through 2030, CE Report informs via the Ministry of Economy of Croatia's official website.

The National Plan and Action Plan were presented by Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar. He said the documents respond to technological transformation, the green transition and the need for greater economic and strategic resilience.

“This National Plan is the result of joint work by representatives of all sectors of Croatian industry, particularly manufacturing, as well as the academic community. It establishes a unified strategic framework for modernising industry, increasing productivity and added value, and strengthening its position on European and global markets. The goal is not merely to adopt a strategic document, but to ensure its actual implementation, monitoring and adaptation. We are establishing a framework for Croatian industry to become more technologically advanced, resilient and sustainable by 2034. More modern industry, greater added value and a stronger Croatia,” Minister Šušnjar said.

Particular emphasis has been placed on the manufacturing industry, which accounts for more than 85% of Croatia’s exports and generates almost a quarter of the revenue and employment of the real sector.

The plan sets three specific objectives: a competitive and export-oriented industry, a clean industry, and a resilient and secure industry. The measures include modernising, digitising and automating production; increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources; investing in research and development; developing clean technologies; and strengthening strategic and defence industry capacities.

The targets include increasing the share of manufacturing gross value added in GDP from 10.6% to 12.5%, and increasing investment in research and development as a share of manufacturing gross value added from 1.65% to 2.8%.

The Action Plan sets out measures, deadlines, responsible authorities, methods for monitoring results and estimated implementation costs through 2030. Funding will come from the state budget, European Union funds and other available sources.

Maximum microloan amount increased to €50,000

The government also adopted an amendment to the “Microloans for Growth and Inclusion” programme, increasing the maximum loan amount from €25,000 to €50,000.

The programme is aimed at micro and small businesses and is financed through the European Social Fund Plus. It focuses on launching new businesses, creating jobs, encouraging investment and expanding operations by improving access to loans and providing more favourable financing conditions.

The increase in the maximum loan amount reflects rising prices for goods, services and investment equipment, as well as the higher value of investments required to launch, modernise and develop businesses. Applications submitted before the decision enters into force will be processed under the conditions applicable on the date they were submitted.

Loan approved for ULJANIK Brodogradnja 1856

The government authorised the Centre for Restructuring and Sales to provide ULJANIK Brodogradnja 1856 d.o.o. with a targeted loan of up to €1 million from its own funds.

The funds will be disbursed successively based on justified requests from the company, with the loan to be repaid in a lump sum by 31 December 2027. The decision is intended to ensure business continuity, preserve jobs and complete the ongoing sale of the company’s shares.

Two binding offers were submitted in response to a public call for the purchase of four business shares representing 97.13% of the company’s share capital owned by the Republic of Croatia. In addition to paying the purchase price, the potential buyer is required to retain the company’s shipbuilding activity.

Photo Ministry of Economy of Croatia