Croatia has adopted amendments to the Act on Electronic Communications, bringing the domestic legal framework into line with EU regulations. This change is closely linked to the adoption of EU Regulation 2024/1309, which aims to reduce the costs associated with laying gigabit electronic communications networks. The reform is designed to facilitate infrastructure development by investors, thereby promoting the faster development of the telecommunications network in the country.
Under the new regulations, the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM) assumes a key role in the procedures for determining or issuing decisions related to building permits. Although the standard EKI declaration (declaration of the position of electronic communication infrastructure) is still used in the procedures, strict oversight is maintained regarding compliance with regulations. Special attention is paid to the protection of existing telecommunications networks. If, during the process, it is determined that the infrastructure passes through a building area, it is stipulated that appropriate protective measures must be established and implemented during the construction to prevent damage.
Investors building residential properties face specific provisions. An investor applying for a building permit for the construction of a single-family home is no longer required to install electronic communication infrastructure up to the boundary of the building plot, representing a simplification in the administrative procedure. Although the law mandates the construction of a common antenna system for the reception of terrestrial radio and television broadcasts, and requires the installation of necessary cabling for each individual residential or commercial unit, the financial responsibility is clearly defined. In the event that the relocation of the connection line is necessary, the investor bears the cost of this operation, clearly delineating the responsibilities between the contractor and the client.
