Croatia’s economy keeps growing as GDP rises for 22nd consecutive quarter

ZAGREB, 1 September 2026 – Croatia’s economy continued to grow in the second quarter of 2026, with gross domestic product (GDP) increasing by 1.7%, extending the country’s uninterrupted growth streak to 22 consecutive quarters.

Although growth slowed somewhat, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said all major components of GDP recorded positive results.

Croatia’s economy also continued to outperform the European Union and eurozone. The EU economy grew by 1.2%, while growth in the eurozone stood at 0.9% over the same period.

Croatia is one of only four EU countries, alongside Belgium, Bulgaria and Cyprus, to have recorded uninterrupted economic growth since the beginning of 2021.

Plenković highlighted exports of goods and services and government consumption among the strongest contributors to the latest result.

Wages and pensions continue to rise

The prime minister also pointed to continued increases in wages and pensions.

Following the latest pension adjustment from 1 July 2026, pensions increased by 5.40%, or €15.64. The average overall pension is now €768, rising to €784 when the permanent annual supplement is included.

The government’s target is for the average overall pension to reach around €800 by mid-2028.

Average net monthly pay also continued its upward trend. In June 2026, it reached €1,555, representing an increase of 7.7% year-on-year. In real terms, after taking inflation into account, the increase was 3.1%.

The median net salary stood at €1,345, up 9.1% compared with June 2025.

Employment also remained high, with around 1.77 million people employed in July.

EU funding supporting investment

Plenković said Croatia had secured more than €10 billion through the EU Recovery and Resilience Mechanism, with the funds supporting investment and contributing to economic growth.

He also highlighted the contribution of tourism, Croatian companies and public administration to economic activity.

Croatia is meanwhile continuing preparations for OECD membership, following its previous major milestones of joining the Schengen Area and eurozone.

The latest GDP figures come against a backdrop of changing global economic conditions, but Croatia has continued to record stronger growth than the EU and eurozone averages.