Croatia sets out €932 million plan for artificial intelligence development

(Photo: Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation)

Croatia has unveiled a national plan for artificial intelligence development through to 2032, with €932.1 million in planned investment aimed at strengthening innovation, developing digital skills and expanding the use of AI across the economy and public services.

Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation Minister Damir Habijan presented the National Plan for the Development of Artificial Intelligence and its first action plan, covering the period to 2028, at a press conference on Friday, 16 October.

The strategy establishes a framework for the development and responsible use of artificial intelligence in Croatia, with an emphasis on research, infrastructure, education and the creation of domestic technological solutions.

“The fundamental message is that people must remain at the centre of the development and application of artificial intelligence,” Habijan said, adding that AI should serve people, improve processes in business and the public sector, and create new opportunities for citizens and entrepreneurs.

The national plan envisages total investment of €932.1 million by 2032, while €382.1 million is allocated to the first action plan. The initial phase includes 33 measures, with a substantial share of funding directed towards research, innovation and economic development.

AI training and Croatian-language technology

One of the priorities is to improve AI literacy and practical skills among the population, educators and public sector employees.

Under the first action plan, Croatia aims to train 7,000 citizens in AI literacy, 10,000 teachers in AI-related competencies and 5,000 public servants.

The plan also allocates €139 million to computing and data infrastructure during the first phase. Another priority is developing AI solutions for the Croatian language, including a large language model designed to support applications tailored to the country’s language and needs.

Artificial intelligence is also expected to play a greater role in public services. Planned initiatives include an AI assistant within the e-Citizens digital platform and tools to support the work of judicial officials.

The government says AI should remain an assistance tool rather than replace people in decision-making. Its application must respect personal data, security, accountability and citizens’ rights.

The plan was developed with the involvement of 133 members of an expert working group representing 55 institutions, following more than 80 meetings. Participants included representatives of government, academia, business, regulators and civil society.

Public consultation on the national plan and its accompanying action plan will run for 30 days, allowing citizens, businesses and institutions to submit proposals and comments.

Changes to judicial performance assessments and on-call payments

At the same press conference, State Secretary Ivan Crnčec presented a new methodology for assessing the performance of court and state attorney advisers.

The system, which will apply from 2027 to assessments covering 2026, introduces four criteria: efficiency, quality of work, organisation and experience. Advisers can score up to 100 points and receive one of five ratings, ranging from excellent to unsatisfactory.

The ministry also presented amendments to rules governing on-call payments for judges, state attorneys and their deputies. The changes align compensation for active on-call duties with overtime and additional pay rules, including work at night, weekends and on public holidays, following a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union in case C-373/24, Ramavić.