- by croatiaweek
- April 16, 2026
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(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/ Marko Beljan)
ZAGREB, 16 April 2026 – Croatia has been urged to reform its economic growth model and improve its investment climate following the presentation of the White Book 2026 to President Zoran Milanović.
The publication, prepared by the Foreign Investors Council, provides a comprehensive overview of Croatia’s economic environment, including the latest research, analysis and data.
It sets out 46 recommendations aimed at strengthening the country’s competitiveness and long-term growth prospects.
Key reforms highlighted
Among the central recommendations is the need for Croatia to adjust its growth model to reduce reliance on European Union funding and domestic consumption. Instead, the report calls for a stronger focus on exports, particularly goods and services with higher added value.
The White Book also stresses the importance of making better use of Croatia’s geographical and political position within the European Union, as well as shifting investment towards machinery and intellectual property.
A major priority identified is the urgent reform of public administration, with a focus on simplifying regulations and improving efficiency.
Presented under the title “Keys to Development – How to Adjust the Growth Model”, the report highlights Croatia’s ambition to reach 90 percent of the EU’s average real income per capita. Achieving this, it notes, will require structural changes to the current economic model.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/ Marko Beljan)
During the meeting, foreign investors also raised specific challenges they face in daily operations, alongside opportunities that remain underutilised in the Croatian economy.
The delegation was led by Burak Baykan, President of the Council and regional director of Doğuş Group, accompanied by senior representatives from major companies across various sectors.
Dialogue with policymakers
The Foreign Investors Council, established in 2012 by eleven companies, aims to foster constructive dialogue with the Croatian Government and other stakeholders to improve the business environment.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/ Marko Beljan)
The meeting at the Office of the President also included senior economic and foreign policy advisers, reflecting the broader importance of investment and competitiveness for Croatia’s economic future.