Croatia Adopts Comprehensive Bioeconomy Strategy, Allocating EUR 200 Million for Development by 2035

Government Approves Long-Term Bioeconomy Plan

The Croatian Government officially adopted the Draft Bioeconomy Strategy until 2035 on January 8, 2026, setting a strategic course for the nation's economic development. This comprehensive plan foresees significant investments totaling approximately EUR 200 million, with EUR 199 million specifically allocated for the initial implementation phase covering 2025-2027. The strategy aims to provide a robust planning framework for intensive sector development, contributing to the country's economic and social advancement.

Strategic Goals and Investment Focus

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, David Vlajčić, highlighted the strategy's vision, which is to be achieved through various interventions, strategic projects, and activities by 2035. The strategy outlines two primary strategic goals: the development of sustainable production and raw material markets, and an increase in added value within the Croatian bioeconomy. Funding for these initiatives will primarily stem from European financial programs, supplemented by the state budget.

The bioeconomy, as defined by the strategy, encompasses all sectors and systems that rely on biological resources, including animals, plants, microorganisms, and biomass from these sources, as well as organic waste. Key sectors fully integrated into this framework include agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, and the production of food, beverages, and tobacco.

Key Measures and Expected Outcomes

The adopted strategy includes a range of planned measures designed to achieve its ambitious goals. These include:

• The construction of biomass distribution centers.
• Regulation concerning the use of waste sludge.
• Incentives for building and modernizing production capacities across various bioeconomy sectors.
• Promotion of packaging made from recycled materials, bio-based products, and biodegradable plastics.
• Prioritizing research, development, and innovation linked to the bioeconomy.

The government anticipates that the strategy will reduce Croatia's dependence on non-renewable raw materials, while simultaneously supporting rural and coastal areas through the expansion of bio-based activities. It is also expected to boost volume and productivity in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, stimulate the utilization of by-products, residues, and waste from production and processing, and aid in developing a robust domestic biomass market.

Development and Alignment with EU Directives

The groundwork for this strategy began in October 2022, with collaborative efforts from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Science and Education, and the Ministry of Regional Development and European Union Funds. The Bioeconomy Strategy until 2035 is a multi-sectoral, long-term planning document that aligns with Croatia's National Development Strategy to 2030. Furthermore, it is consistent with broader European Union initiatives such as the Green Deal, the Farm-to-Fork Strategy, and the EU Biodiversity Strategy, aiming to contribute to climate neutrality, reduce pesticide use, and increase organic production.