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.

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.

Croatia has failed to collect billions of kuna in receivables, taxes, concession revenues, and property value over 25 years. Minister Goran Marić claims that Croatia could have been minimally indebted if all dues were collected. Experts from the Economic Institute Zagreb and the World Bank comment on the need for effective management of state property and the potential benefits of improved asset management. The article discusses the challenges of property-rights issues, unclear legal frameworks, lack of vision, and absence of active ownership policy. The World Bank supports the initiatives, highlighting the positive impact on the budget, private sector growth, and transparency. The article emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive registry of state property, strategic management, and not selling assets under any circumstances for effective asset management.

The Croatian healthcare system is facing a critical loss of medical professionals, with 525 doctors having left the country in three and a half years. This exodus is attributed to the search for better working conditions, respect for labor, and a decent life commensurate with the effort invested in education. Doctors like Senka Baranović and Marko Lukić share their positive experiences working in Scotland and the UK, highlighting better work-life balance, respect, and opportunities for professional development. The Croatian Medical Chamber warns that the government's inaction could lead to an irreversible decline in healthcare quality. While there is a longing for home, the decision to leave is described as rational rather than emotional, with the hope that future government concern might change this trend.

The article discusses the trend of educated professionals, including architects and doctors, emigrating from Croatia due to dissatisfaction with the lack of opportunities and the prevailing value system. Tea Horvat, a prominent architect, explains her decision to leave, citing the country's failure to capitalize on post-war opportunities and the erosion of societal values. The article also touches on the flawed legal system and the challenges faced by professionals in influencing change. The sentiment among these professionals is one of disillusionment with the status quo and a desire for a better quality of life elsewhere.

A court in Dublin recently evicted around fifty people from a house due to inhumane living conditions. Legal immigrants, including Croatians, were paying 200 euros a month to live in cramped conditions, but some tenants told Croatian media that the situation was not that bad, though the eviction created a problem as they had little time to find new accommodation. Ivana, a girl from Osijek who moved to Ireland in 2014 and returned after 14 months, shared her experience of the housing situation and job market. She noted that it was easier to find jobs in Dublin by walking into places with a CV, and employers were respectful and helpful. Despite high living costs, Ivana believes it's possible to save money in Ireland, but not to get rich unless working for a big company. Many Croatians have returned from Ireland, disappointed, but Ivana plans to try her luck abroad again, this time closer to home.