First Annual Meeting of Regulators Held at the Croatian National Bank

ZAGREB, 14 July 2025 - The first annual meeting of regulators, held today at the Croatian National Bank, brought together representatives of seven key supervisory and regulatory bodies of the Republic of Croatia: the Croatian Competition Agency, the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries, the Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency, the Croatian Energy Regulatory Agency, the Electronic Media Council, the Agency for the Protection of Personal Data, and the Croatian National Bank as the host of the event.

The meeting was organised with the aim of strengthening cooperation among supervisory and regulatory bodies and of raising public awareness and understanding of the important role these institutions play in the country’s economic and social framework.

Governor Vujčić took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of interinstitutional cooperation and the independence of regulatory bodies as the foundation of an effective and stable institutional framework. President Kapural underlined that the purpose of such meetings is to exchange ideas and good practices, to encourage joint action, and to enhance the work of all regulators through cooperation.

In his speech, Minister Habijan expressed the Government’s support for the work of regulatory institutions, stressing their key role in safeguarding market competition, protecting consumer rights, and ensuring a transparent business environment.

Through discussions held across two panels, participants highlighted the distinct features of regulatory work, including independence, the provision of adequate resources and expert personnel, as well as clearly defined competences that distinguish regulatory bodies from other public institutions. Particular emphasis was placed on opportunities for further cooperation on shared themes, the exchange of knowledge, harmonisation of working conditions, and improved public understanding of the role of regulators.

The first panel brought together the heads of regulatory bodies to discuss the status and significance of regulators within the institutional framework of the Republic of Croatia. The second panel focused on the relationship between regulators and consumers, with particular emphasis on clarifying the actual competences of regulatory and supervisory bodies, illustrated with concrete examples from practice.

This meeting, which is intended to become a regular annual gathering of regulators, marks a significant step forward in strengthening cooperation and communication among regulatory bodies, as well as in improving their engagement with the wider public.