Ivana Manovelo
Updates
Banking & Financial Services
Additional banking measures introduced to tackle COVID-19 crisis
Croatia | 14 July 2020During and following the peak of the COVID-19 crisis in Croatia, the government launched three packages of measures to mitigate the lockdown's effects on the economy. Since a large number of businesses remain far from recovery and their liquidity in the upcoming period is questionable, new types of financing option and support from the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development are being introduced.
Banking measures introduced to tackle COVID-19 crisis
Croatia | 24 April 2020As the whole world is struggling to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and the consecutive economic fallout, the Croatian banking and financial sector has introduced a number of measures to alleviate the pressure on struggling companies as well as citizens affected by the crisis. The Croatian National Bank has taken several actions with the purpose of increasing the liquidity of the financial system and provided additional liquidity for commercial banks, which have also introduced their own measures.
Banking regulation in Croatia – an overview
Croatia | 27 March 2020This article provides an overview of banking regulation in Croatia, including which authorities govern banking regulation and what the central bank's role is therein, the type of licence required to conduct banking services and what the application process is like, the forms of bank which can operate in Croatia and how are they regulated and how the Croatian regulatory regime distinguishes between different forms of bank.
Corporate Finance/M&A
Public invitation to purchase partially state-owned companies
Croatia | 19 March 2014The Croatian Restructuring and Sale Centre has announced a public invitation for expression of interest for the acquisition of shares in four partially state-owned companies: three hotel companies and a shipping company. The acquisitions are the result of the government's privatisation policies.
Corporate Tax
Tax exemptions introduced to protect businesses during COVID-19 pandemic
Croatia | 15 May 2020The second package of government measures for mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Croatian economy, which recently entered into force, includes a number of tax exemptions for companies. For example, companies whose revenue in April 2020, May 2020 and June 2020 has fallen by 50% or more compared with the respective month in 2019 will be completely exempt from their tax liabilities – namely, from paying profit tax, income tax and contributions.
Employment & Immigration
Measures introduced to preserve employment during COVID-19 pandemic
Croatia | 20 May 2020A second package of government measures for mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Croatian economy recently entered into force. The measures for reducing the rate of unemployment include subsidised salaries for employees in affected sectors, the discontinuation of existing employment and self-employment subsidies to secure additional funds to preserve employment in affected sectors and the extension of subsidies for permanent seasonal workers.
Energy & Natural Resources
Open call for development and sale of RES projects
Croatia | 07 October 2019Croatian state-owned electricity company HEP Group is seeking partners for renewable energy projects. To this end, the company has launched an open call for expressions of interest in the development and sale of renewable energy source (RES) projects. HEP's latest initiative relates to the development and construction of different RES projects in Croatia, as well as the integration of completed projects and those in an advanced stage of development into its power generation portfolio.
Licences for hydrocarbon exploration in Dinarides region available in third bidding round
Croatia | 17 June 2019Four new exploration blocks in the Dinarides have been offered in the third licensing round for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in Croatia. This recent licensing round of the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency focuses on the central and southern regions. The deadline for the submission of bids is 10 September 2019 and the licences are tentatively scheduled to be announced in December 2019.
Seven exploration blocks await investors for onshore exploration and production of hydrocarbons
Croatia | 04 February 2019The second of three planned onshore licencing rounds for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in Croatia is currently underway. Seven exploration blocks in southwest and central Croatia and central Slavonia have been offered in this bidding round. After the tender procedure has been completed and the most successful bidder has been selected, the Croatian government will issue a decision on awarding an onshore exploration and exploitation licence for each of the seven blocks.
Amendments to Act on Renewable Energy Sources and High-Efficiency Cogeneration
Croatia | 05 November 2018The government recently adopted a number of amendments to the Act on Renewable Energy Sources and High-Efficiency Cogeneration. According to the government, the amendments aim to harmonise national law with the EU legal framework, introduce an integration process for eligible producers of renewable electricity and high-efficiency cogeneration on the electricity market and reduce the obligation on suppliers to purchase renewables at a regulated price that is higher than the market price.
Government continues to dictate gas prices for households
Croatia | 17 July 2017As part of its goals, the Act on Amendments to the Gas Market Act sets out a new gas market model. Under the new gas model, on receiving a proposal from the ministry and following approval from the Gas Regulatory Agency, the government will set the maximum price for gas, according to which the wholesale supplier must sell gas to retail suppliers for households. It remains to be seen how this new gas market model will affect consumers, the economy and the overall gas market.
Government announces buy-out of INA shares after losing in arbitration proceeding with MOL
Croatia | 24 April 2017The relationship between INA (the national oil and gas company) and MOL (Hungarian Oil and Gas Plc) goes back to 2003, when INA was privatised through a public procurement process. However, the Croatian government and MOL are in two international disputes over INA. Following a recent decision, the prime minister announced that the government will initiate the process to buy-out MOL's shares in INA.
Recent solar power and renewable energy initiatives
Croatia | 19 December 2016Recent initiatives in the Croatian energy sector include the construction of the largest solar-powered irrigation system in Europe, which is already proving to be an ideal solution to water management in agriculture. Further, the government recently announced its plan to increase the renewable energy sources incentive fee. As a countermeasure, the government lowered the value added tax rate for electricity supply from 25% to 13%.
Croatia hosts forum on Three Seas Initiative to strengthen north-south corridor
Croatia | 26 September 2016Participating countries at the recent Dubrovnik forum signed the Statement on the Three Seas Initiative, with the aim of connecting the north-south gas corridor, reviving cooperation between Adriatic, Baltic and Black Sea countries and unifying the European energy market. One of the initiative's key projects is the liquefied natural gas terminal on Krk Island in Croatia, which will be the backbone of the new gas corridor to the Baltics.
Croatian strategic energy projects ride out the political storm
Croatia | 18 July 2016Key decisions affecting the Croatian energy sector were rendered in a recent government session, including the expedition of the first of four phases of the floating liquefied natural gas terminal on the island of Krk, and the approval of production-sharing agreements for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons for six onshore blocks in northwest Slavonia. The decisions were issued during one of Croatia's most turbulent political periods.
Renewable energy and electricity update
Croatia | 11 April 2016The Renewable Energy and High Efficient Cogeneration Act recently came into force, replacing a confusing and complicated legal framework which was discouraging to investors. The act is a huge step forward for renewable energy projects in Croatia. In addition, Croatia is implementing its EU objectives successfully and is following the global trend of switching to a clean energy economy.
Latest oil and gas industry developments
Croatia | 15 February 2016In January 2016 non-partisan Prime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic formed a new right-wing government. As 2015 was an election year, almost all major projects – most of which had been initiated by the former left-wing government – were halted and related decisions postponed until after the elections. It remains to be seen which energy projects will be supported by the new government.
Call for equity for LNG terminal project
Croatia | 07 September 2015The Krk liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal project is progressing well. The project foresees the construction of an LNG terminal for the receipt, storage and regasification of liquefied natural gas on the island of Krk, with a nominal annual capacity of 6 billion cubic metres. In the latest development, future operator LNG Croatia Ltd recently announced a call for equity, hoping to attract potential industrial and pure equity investors to the project.
Second-quarter oil and gas update
Croatia | 13 July 2015Following public debate, the Ministry of Economy has issued a revised report evaluating the environmental impact of offshore exploration and hydrocarbon production. In addition, the government has chosen preferred bidders for onshore oil and gas exploration bids and LNG Croatia has announced another tender for consultancy for the liquefied natural gas terminal on the island of Krk.
Licences granted for first Adriatic offshore exploration and exploitation tender
Croatia | 23 March 2015The government has granted 10 licences for the exploitation and exploration of hydrocarbons in the Adriatic Sea. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy has opened a public debate on the strategic environmental impact of the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in the Adriatic, and the first onshore licensing round for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons has closed.
Tender seeks advisers for LNG terminal construction preparations
Croatia | 24 November 2014LNG Croatia has announced an international tender for business, financial and legal advisers for the construction preparations of a liquefied natural gas terminal on the island of Krk. Among other things, project advisers will be expected to advise on business and legal model preparation and drafting terminal capacities utilisation contracts. Each adviser must have relevant expertise and key personnel must be available.
Electricity market projects
Croatia | 29 September 2014Despite much debate and opposition, the construction of a 500-megawatt-capacity coal-fired power plant – the Plomin C project – is finally moving forward. The project has been awarded strategic investment project status by the government. The Croatian Electric Utility Company has announced an invitation for expressions of interest for participation in the construction project for the Kosinj/Senj hydropower plant.
First oil and gas onshore tender
Croatia | 22 September 2014The government has launched the first onshore licensing round for exploration and hydrocarbon production licences. The offshore licence round comprises approximately 15,000 square kilometres divided into six blocks located in the continental regions of Podravina and Slavonija. Meanwhile, the government has simultaneously prepared tender documentation for the first onshore licencing round for northeastern Croatia.
First offshore licensing round for Adriatic exploration and production opens
Croatia | 09 June 2014On April 2 2014 the long-awaited first offshore licensing round for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in the Adriatic Sea was opened. The bid round closing date is 14:00 on November 3 2014. The offshore licensing round comprises approximately 36,823 square kilometres divided into 29 blocks of between 1,000 and 1,600 square kilometres each.
Hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation tenders in the Adriatic
Croatia | 10 March 2014The government recently announced that a tender is scheduled for April 2014 in which 29 blocks in the Adriatic will be offered for the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas. Allegedly, more than 30 oil and gas companies have already expressed their interest in the tender. Meanwhile, the Strategic Investments Act has also been introduced, to give preferential treatment to investment projects of national interest.
Government announces resolution process for INA-MOL dispute
Croatia | 14 October 2013Steps were recently taken to resolve a lengthy dispute between the government and MOL (Hungarian Oil and Gas Plc) over INA (the national oil and gas company). A recently announced public tender for consultants for the dispute resolution negotiations between INA shareholders, the government and MOL suggests that the government expects the negotiations – which will ultimately decide INA's destiny – to be lengthy and complex.
New hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation regime
Croatia | 09 September 2013The Hydrocarbons Exploration and Exploitation Act recently became effective. With the passing of the act the required legal framework for hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation, which also includes the Mining Act and the Concession Act, is now complete. Through the new act the state is seeking investors and potential partners to invest in hydrocarbon exploration both onshore and offshore in the Adriatic.
Opening up the energy markets
Croatia | 24 June 2013Developments in the electricity and gas legislation signal the further opening up of the Croatian market to potential domestic and foreign investors. As part of the process of incorporating the EU Third Energy Package into Croatian law, the new Energy Act was passed in late 2012. The umbrella Energy Act regulates the energy market in general, while separate acts regulate the gas, oil, electricity, heat and renewables markets.
Working towards a free gas market
Croatia | 22 April 2013With the sale of most of the shares in Croatia's national oil and gas company to its Hungarian counterpart in 2006 and the passage of the new Energy Act, the government has lost control of the gas market. In response to this changing landscape, Croatia's strategic plan for the national gas market is based on two goals: ensuring a free market and developing a network that would facilitate this.
Preparing the energy market for EU accession
Croatia | 04 February 2013One of Croatia's obligations as part of its forthcoming accession to the European Union is the incorporation of the EU Third Energy Package. To this end, Parliament has passed the Energy Act, which regulates security of supply and sustainability, generation and consumption, policy and planning, energy market and public service energy activities, and general principles of energy activity.
Oil and gas and renewable energy legislative and market update
Croatia | 08 October 2012The exploration and exploitation of oil and gas in Croatia, performed in accordance with the legal framework in force, has faced several difficulties. Consequently, the Ministry of Economy is eager to pass a new act which would facilitate the tendering process. Other developments in this sector include progress of the Plomin C tender and the discovery of new oil reserves in northeast Croatia.
Prospects for the natural gas market
Croatia | 09 May 2011The Croatian natural gas market comprises 3 billion cubic metres of transmitted gas, of which 65% comes from domestic production and 35% is imported. Following a report of the Energy Community Regulatory Board which identified various natural gas market shortcomings in Croatia, the government has sought to remedy these problems through various means.
Ombla and Plomin 3 public tenders expected
Croatia | 28 March 2011At the end of 2010 the government approved 18 investment projects in the energy sector, worth a total of €3.85 billion. Key projects include the construction of the Ombla underground hydroelectric power plant near Dubrovnik, worth €130 million, and the Plomin 3 coal-based thermal power plant in Istria, worth €800 million. It is expected that public tenders for both will attract a number of domestic and international investors.
MOL offer to purchase INA shares raises concerns for energy sector
Croatia | 10 January 2011Following an offer by MOL to purchase the shares owned by the small stockholders of INA (the national oil and gas company), the Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency suspended trading of INA's stocks on the Zagreb Stock Exchange. The offer was seen as a hostile takeover attempt against INA as MOL failed to notify the government of its offer.
Tender announcement due for new floating LNG terminal
Croatia | 20 December 2010Gas operator Plinacro is due to announce an international tender for potential investors for a floating liquefied natural gas project, worth approximately €50 million. The project is a temporary solution designed to meet local market needs while an investment decision is awaited on the land-based terminal. The project has an expected capacity of six billion cubic metres of gas.
Government approves new energy investment projects
Croatia | 08 November 2010As part of its measures to combat the recession and aid economic recovery, the government has approved 18 investment projects in the energy sector, worth a total of €3.85 billion. The projects will be implemented by state-owned companies and local authorities, including Croatian national electricity company HEP, gas transmission system operator Plinacro and oil pipeline system manger JANAF.
Tender for feasibility study for South Stream pipeline
Croatia | 27 September 2010Gas operator Plinacro is soon to announce an international tender for the preparation of a feasibility study on the Croatian route of the South Stream pipeline. Earlier this year Croatia signed a cooperation agreement with the Russian government on the construction and operation of the pipeline in Croatian territory.
Tech, Data, Telecoms & Media
AI regulation – an overview
Croatia | 07 August 2020At present, the regulation of the AI sector in Croatia is practically non-existent, as is the case in many other EU member states. This might be viewed as troublesome, as the technology is advancing rapidly without a specific legal control system to provide guidance. However, the issues arising from the use of AI are complex and difficult to foresee, which makes the legislative process time consuming and demanding.
Data protection, constitutional rights and COVID-19
Croatia | 24 April 2020Croatia has among the lowest number of infected persons and persons requiring hospital care due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Despite this fact, the government has amended the Electronic Communications Act enabling the legal use of mobile data as an additional tool in its strategy to combat the pandemic. However, the process has been deterred by the opposition finding the amendments potentially unconstitutional and unjustified.
