Zagreb - The Croatian Parliament on Friday rejected a proposal to set up an inquiry into femicide, while approving amendments extending the reduced 5% VAT rate on energy products until 31 March 2027.
The proposal by the We Can! group to establish an inquiry into femicide and institutional failures in protecting women from violence was rejected, with 81 MPs voting against and 44 in favour.
Lawmakers backed the government’s proposal to extend the reduced VAT rate on natural gas, heating and certain fuels, with 128 MPs voting in favour and one abstaining. Without the measure the rate would rise to 13%, increasing energy costs. The extension is expected to cost the state budget €47 million.
Parliament also adopted legislation to modernise rail transport and align with EU rules, including improving passenger rights and introducing digital data exchange in freight transport.
A law implementing the EU regulation on reducing methane emissions in the energy sector was unanimously adopted, setting stricter monitoring and reporting obligations for oil, gas and coal operators.
Ruling parties rejected further proposals by We Can!, including a call for Croatia to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty and for the introduction of a windfall tax.
Amendments to the Consumer Protection Act were sent for a second reading, introducing measures such as an easy contract termination option for distance sales. The Real Estate Brokerage Bill was also sent for a second reading.
Parliament took note of central bank reports on inflation and monetary policy, while approving several government reports, including on public broadcaster HRT and EU funds use.
Croatian Peasant Party (HSS) MP Krešo Beljak will suspend his mandate from 1 April and be replaced by HSS president Darko Vuletić.