Zagreb - Opposition MPs criticised the government's 2026 plan to align Croatian law with EU legislation, saying it is submitted as a table of act titles without content or explanation. MP Ljubica Lukačić from the ruling HDZ also called for improvements.
State Secretary Andreja Metelko-Zgombić said the plan aims to harmonise 72 laws this year, covering health data, environmental protection, consumer rights, equality, anti-discrimination and democratic standards.
Opposition MPs also noted that EU regulations already in force, such as the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), are not applied domestically. Ivan Račan (SDP) said the plan ignores the EMFA's core goal of depoliticising public media, while Urša Raukar Gamulin (We Can!) highlighted ongoing non-compliance with EU rules despite their legal force.
"Although the regulation is already in force and applies in Croatia, a director has been appointed at Hina without amending the Hina Act, and the director of HRT is soon to be appointed without any indication that the HRT Act will be changed. The plan mentions only the Media Act, and then only in the fourth quarter," Raukar Gamulin noted.
Metelko-Zgombić defended the plan, saying it was drafted in consultation with the European Commission and Croatia ranks second-highest in EU law alignment. She added that Croatia had only one confirmed EU law infringement in 2025 and participated in 20 preliminary procedures, underlining the country's strong compliance record.
HDZ MP Lukačić stressed the importance of alignment for citizens' quality of life and the economy, while noting the plan could be revised and suggesting future submissions include explanations beyond a mere list of acts.