Croatia has launched a national AI strategy through 2032, focusing on innovation, digital skills, and public sector integration.
Key facts
- •The national AI plan was developed by an expert working group of 133 members from 55 institutions.
- •The strategy includes the development of a large language model specifically tailored to the Croatian language.
- •A 30-day public consultation period has been opened for citizens and businesses to provide feedback on the plan.
- •The new judicial adviser performance system uses four criteria: efficiency, quality of work, organisation, and experience.
- •The government mandates that AI applications must respect personal data, security, and citizens' rights.
Croatia has unveiled a national plan for artificial intelligence development spanning through 2032, backed by a total investment of €932.1 million. Presented by Minister of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation Damir Habijan on October 16, the strategy aims to foster innovation, improve digital skills, and integrate AI into the economy and public services while maintaining a focus on human-centric development.
By the numbers
Investment and Action Plan
The first action plan, covering the period up to 2028, accounts for €382.1 million of the total investment. This initial phase includes 33 specific measures, with significant funding directed toward research, innovation, and economic development. Additionally, €139 million is allocated specifically for computing and data infrastructure.
Education and Public Sector Integration
A core objective of the plan is to improve AI literacy and practical skills. The government aims to train 7,000 citizens, 10,000 teachers, and 5,000 public servants in AI-related competencies. Public service initiatives include developing an AI assistant for the e-Citizens platform and tools to support judicial officials, with the government emphasizing that AI should serve as an assistance tool rather than a replacement for human decision-making.
Judicial and Administrative Updates
Alongside the AI strategy, the ministry introduced a new performance assessment methodology for court and state attorney advisers, effective in 2027 for assessments covering 2026. The ministry also announced amendments to on-call payment rules for judges and state attorneys to align with overtime and holiday pay regulations, following a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Timeline
- October 16Minister Damir Habijan presented the National Plan for the Development of Artificial Intelligence.
- 2026The first year of performance data for court and state attorney advisers under the new assessment system.
- 2027The year the new performance assessment methodology for judicial advisers takes effect.
- 2028The conclusion of the first action plan for AI development.
- 2032The conclusion of the national plan for artificial intelligence development.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Croatia Week.
