The International Energy Agency reports that coal consumption in the European Union will reach a record low this year following a 19% decline. This development highlights the ongoing shift towards more sustainable energy sources within the EU.

Croatia's energy transition, particularly the democratization of energy production, faces significant bureaucratic hurdles. Despite the establishment of the first civic energy community, other initiatives struggle due to stringent regulations, such as the requirement for full-time employees. Various organizations, including the Regional Energy Agency and the Forum of Energy Communities, are advocating for legal changes to simplify the formation of energy communities and provide technical and financial support. The article highlights the potential of solar energy in Croatia and the need for regulatory adjustments to facilitate broader civic participation in the energy transition.

Croatian citizens and NGOs are struggling to establish energy communities due to restrictive legal and regulatory frameworks. Despite improvements in solar energy production and financial incentives from the European Union, significant obstacles remain, including limitations on energy capacity and non-profit requirements. Activists like Goran Cacic and Vjeran Pirsic highlight the resistance from traditional energy sectors and the Croatian government. However, pilot projects like the one in Spickovina offer hope for future progress. The article underscores the need for legislative changes to support a more democratic and decentralized energy system in Croatia.

In Croatia, legal technicalities are preventing the formation of citizen energy communities, which would allow members to share and distribute green energy. Despite the Croatian Parliament incorporating these communities into the Electricity Market Act, the Croatian Energy Regulatory Agency (HERA) and courts are creating barriers. Powerful lobbies for coal, gas, nuclear, and wind energy have long hindered renewable energy development. However, since 2018, the situation for individual solar energy producers has improved, with reduced paperwork and EU-funded incentives. Croatia's energy mix in 2023 was over 60% renewable, largely due to hydroelectric plants and a rainy year, but the country still imports about a quarter of its electricity. The EU directive on energy communities is not fully implemented in Croatia, with restrictions not present in the EU's guidelines. Despite this, there is slow progress, with pilot projects like the one in Špičkovina showing promise. Organizations like KLIK are helping citizens install solar panels, but the state-run HEP is criticized for not adapting to the changing energy sector. The article is part of a series on energy communities in the EU, supported by Journalismfund Europe.

Croatia's energy cooperatives face significant regulatory challenges, with the state favoring large energy players over citizen-led initiatives. Despite EU directives promoting renewable energy and community involvement, Croatian laws impose restrictive conditions on energy communities. Activists and experts criticize the slow progress and bureaucratic obstacles, highlighting the need for legislative and institutional support to harness the country's renewable energy potential. Positive developments include EU-funded incentives and pilot projects like the one in Špičkovina, which could pave the way for broader adoption of community energy solutions.

The article discusses the regulatory and bureaucratic challenges faced by energy communities in Croatia, highlighting the obstacles imposed by national laws that contradict EU directives. It emphasizes the influence of powerful energy lobbies and the state's conservative approach, which hinders the growth of citizen-led renewable energy projects. Despite improvements for individual solar energy producers, the development of energy communities remains stifled. The article features insights from various stakeholders, including activists and experts, who criticize the current system and advocate for a more democratic and decentralized energy sector.

Croatia celebrates its entry into the Schengen Area starting January 1, 2023, marking the end of a complex application process. The removal of border checks is expected to benefit Croatian citizens and industries, particularly transport and tourism. In contrast, Bulgaria and Romania express disappointment over their rejection, citing political and corruption issues. Bulgarian and Romanian citizens and experts criticize their governments and the EU's decision-making process, with some calling for boycotts of Austrian companies. The article highlights differing national reactions and the broader implications for EU integration and migration policy.

Agrokor, a major Croatian conglomerate, is facing a multitude of lawsuits across six countries, primarily initiated by Sberbank, its largest creditor, over a loan of 1.1 billion euros. Legal battles are ongoing in Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Kingdom, and Montenegro. Croatian courts have dismissed Sberbank's claims, while in Serbia, the bank has had more success, with court rulings preventing Agrokor from disposing of shares in several companies. Sberbank's head, Herman Gref, has expressed outrage over alleged fraud by Agrokor's former management, led by Ivica Todorić, and is prepared for a lengthy legal fight. Agrokor's current management, appointed by the Croatian government, is focused on stabilizing the company's financial position and maximizing creditor returns.