The government has opened for public consultation amendments that will exempt around 34,000 beneficiaries from pension reductions and ease retirement conditions, with unions welcoming the correction of a long-standing injustice.
The Government of the Republic of Croatia plans to exempt the pensions of soldiers, police officers, and authorized official personnel from the existing reduction, which will require an additional 100 million euros from the state budget over the next three years. The changes are part of a legislative package currently in public consultation, which, in addition to abolishing the reduction, also introduces more favorable conditions for retirement for these categories of employees.
Minister of Labor, Pension System, Family, and Social Policy Alen Ružić explained that the abolition of the reduction will directly affect approximately 34,000 beneficiaries. Alongside amendments to the Law on Rights from Pension Insurance for Active Military Personnel, Police Officers, and Authorized Official Personnel, there is also a proposed change to the Law on Veterans. The implementation of these amendments alone in 2027 is projected to cost 88.5 million euros, as reported by Mirovina.hr.
The Ministry of Labor, Pension System, Family, and Social Policy stated that this legislative proposal will ensure an increase in the adequacy of pensions for special categories of beneficiaries who performed jobs of particular social importance during their working lives. They emphasized that increasing these pensions represents recognition for their long-term contribution to society and contributes to greater social security in old age.
The proposed amendments have been welcomed by the Croatian Police Union, which described the move as "a correction of a long-standing injustice." The government also highlights the broader significance of this solution, believing it will strengthen human resources in the military, police, security and intelligence system, and judiciary-sectors that play a crucial role in protecting national security and maintaining public order.
In a separate public address, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković also commented on the current waste situation in Gospić, stating that the government is approaching the issue seriously and responsibly. "We will accelerate the remediation process for a total of 37,000 tons of waste," Plenković wrote on Twitter on August 11, 2026, adding that all those who committed criminal offenses will be held accountable, and the state will also seek reimbursement of funds for the remediation.
The Prime Minister emphasized that according to measurements by the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ), there is no threat to drinking water in Lika, and the public will be regularly informed about water quality. He criticized the opposition for, as he said, spreading panic with misinformation in an attempt to create a fabricated emergency situation. "Just as we have solved problems related to various types of waste so far, everyone will be maximally engaged on the issue of waste in Gospić-but calmly, rationally, seriously, professionally, and responsibly, without hysteria, panic, or drama," Plenković said, concluding that the coalition is stable and that the opposition's initiative for a vote of no confidence in the government will end like many before it.
