In its Spring 2025 economic forecast released on 19 May, the European Commission (EC) projected that Croatia's gross domestic product (GDP) will grow by 3.2% in 2025 and 2.9% in 2026, while inflation is expected to decrease from 4% in 2024 to 3.4% this year and 2% in 2026, Croatian media report. Meanwhile, according to data released on Monday by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union (EU), Croatia recorded a 4% annual inflation rate measured by the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), with monthly consumer prices rising by 0.7%, in line with preliminary estimates.Despite global challenges, an unpredictable international environment, and rising uncertainty in global trade, the EC expects Croatia’s economy to continue growing steadily this year and next.According to the EC, Croatia’s GDP is projected to grow by 3.2% in 2025, slightly below the previous estimate of 3.3%, marking a negligible revision. The forecast for 2026 remains unchanged at 2.6%, which reflects robust growth compared to the EU average, expected to remain below 1%, with some member states potentially entering a recession.The EC also noted that Croatia’s exposure to the anticipated customs shock from the United States (U.S.) is relatively low compared to other EU member states. Strong domestic demand is expected to sustain solid GDP growth despite heightened trade uncertainties.For 2025, the euro area is forecast to achieve an average growth rate of 0.9%, increasing to 1.4% in 2026. Across the entire EU, encompassing all 27 member states, average growth is projected at 1.1% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026. Croatia is among the top-performing countries in terms of growth, with only Malta (4.1%), Denmark (3.6%), Ireland (3.4%), and Poland (3.3%) expected to post higher growth rates.The primary driver of Croatia’s economic expansion is expected to be private consumption, supported by rising real wages and increased employment, HRT reports.The EC also forecasts a continued decline in the unemployment rate in Croatia, from 5% in 2024 to 4.6% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026, maintaining historically low levels. Inflation is projected to ease to 3.4% in 2025 and drop further to 2% in 2026.Meanwhile, according to the Eurostat data released on Monday, in April 2025, Croatia recorded a 4% annual inflation rate measured by the HICP, with monthly consumer prices rising by 0.7%, in line with Eurostat's estimate from 2 May. This marks a slight decrease from March's 4.3% annual rate and from 4.7% in April 2024 (ICE ZAGABRIA)

Fonte notizia: HRT e Jutarnji.hr online edition 19/05/2025