On 22 and 23 January 2026, the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency, participated in the first two-day workshop held within the Project for the Development of CCUS Framework in Croatia. The project was nominated by the Government of the Republic of Croatia and is financed by the European Union through the Technical Support Instrument (TSI). It is implemented with the European Commission’s SG REFORM and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The project is delivered by an international consortium of experts comprising Environmental Resources Management (ERM), IOM Law, and the local consultant Imway Consulting.
In the opening remarks delivered by Ms Milena Raykovska, representing the European Commission, and Mr Marijan Krpan, President of the Management Board of the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency, the importance of establishing a clear legal, regulatory and strategic framework for the development of CCUS projects in Croatia was underlined, in line with the European Union’s objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. It was emphasised that CCUS technologies represent a key opportunity for the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries, building on Croatia’s existing experience in EOR projects and on the Agency’s ongoing activities, including the development of Atlas of Geological Structures suitable for CO₂ Storage and a Pre-feasibility study for the Bockovac site.
The workshop brought together representatives of ministries, regulatory authorities and the academic community, alongside strong interest from industry stakeholders from Croatia and the wider region. Through open and constructive dialogue, the importance of cooperation between public institutions and the private sector was reaffirmed as a cornerstone for the successful deployment of CCUS activities, the creation of a favourable investment environment, and the long-term competitiveness of industry within the low-carbon transition.
