The Entrepreneurs' Voice association sent an official request on Friday to the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy and the Government of the Republic of Croatia for data and documentation regarding consultations, analyses and impact assessments of the increase in the minimum gross wage to €1,130 from 1 January 2027.
The request followed the day after the Government adopted the Ordinance on the Level of the Minimum Wage for 2027 on Thursday, which sets the minimum wage at a gross amount of €1,130. This amount is €80 higher than this year.
In its statement, the association demands that it be publicly demonstrated what the additional cost to an employer is for the rise in the minimum wage, how much of the increase actually reaches the workers, and what portion goes through taxes and contributions. The association also highlights that the impact of the decision on sole traders and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises must be publicly shown.
The association notes that it is important to publicly show who participated in the consultations, how micro and small employers were represented, and which of their proposals were considered. To this end, they request data on the composition of the consultations, the representatives who participated, minutes and opinions, as well as documents showing whether the specific costs and circumstances of the smallest employers were actually analysed.
The Entrepreneurs' Voice and the SME Association have already submitted 10 specific requests to the Government on 19 October to relieve the economy. Among them is an increase in the personal tax deduction to at least €800, as well as the principle that every new obligation for the economy must be accompanied by at least two specific reliefs.
The association concludes that if the permanent labour cost is increased for small employers, space must simultaneously be opened up to reduce other costs, levies or administrative burdens.
