The European Commission, in its 2026 Rule of Law Report country chapter on Croatia published on 17 July 2026, acknowledges some progress in justice efficiency and anti-corruption but highlights persistent serious concerns over perceived judicial independence, lengthy court proceedings, and weak asset declaration verification. The report notes that only 27% of the public and 28% of companies rate judicial independence as 'fairly or very good' in 2026, a very low level that the Commission urges Croatia to address urgently.
The chapter, part of the Commission's annual rule of law assessment across EU member states, details several recent institutional changes. On 15 May 2026, Parliament appointed a new Supreme Court President, while three Constitutional Court seats remain vacant. A reform of the 'registrations judges' system was implemented in January 2026 to align with EU law, removing the power to suspend judgments for inconsistency with case law. Additionally, the power to prescribe judge training was transferred from the Ministry of Justice to the Supreme Court President.
On digitalisation, the report notes increased use of e-Communication and that amendments were submitted to Parliament on 29 June 2026 to digitalise misdemeanour cases and mandate audio recording from July 2027. Proposed amendments also aim to simplify entry into the judge and deputy state attorney professions. However, case processing times remain excessive: the average length for litigious commercial cases is 1,182 days, and for civil cases 776 days. Total backlog decreased by nearly 3% by end-2025.
In anti-corruption, the Commission observes that implementation of the Anti-Corruption Strategy is ongoing, with laws revised including those governing the Office for Suppression of Corruption and Organised Crime. Asset declaration submission has been digitalised, but verification remains non-systematic, a gap the Commission flags as a weakness. A Law on Protection of Persons Involved in Public Activities (anti-SLAPP) entered into force, and media law amendments enlarged the regulator's mandate to cover the press and expanded the ownership database to print media.
The report's findings carry implications for several stakeholders. For Croatian citizens and businesses, the low perceived judicial independence and long case durations undermine trust in the justice system and may deter investment. The legal profession and judiciary face continued pressure to improve efficiency and independence, while the government is expected to accelerate asset declaration verification and fill vacant Constitutional Court seats. EU institutions will monitor progress as part of the broader rule of law mechanism, which could influence funding and political dialogue.
The Commission's 2026 Rule of Law Report will now be discussed by the Council and the European Parliament, with member states expected to provide feedback and recommendations in the autumn.