Croatia Takes Steps to Prevent Conflict of Interest, but More Needs to be Done

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The Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO) has welcomed recent developments in Croatia aimed at preventing conflicts of interest among public officials. However, the organization has also highlighted areas where further improvements are needed.

GRECO’s Commendation and Concerns

In its latest report, GRECO commended Croatia’s new law on lobbying and the Prevention of Conflicts of Interest Act for introducing important measures to prevent conflicts of interest. The law requires persons with top executive functions to disclose meetings with third parties, including lobbyists, and introduces a cooling-off period of 18 months before they can accept employment in the private sector.

However, GRECO expressed concern that the provision on disclosing meetings with third parties leaves too much discretion to public officials, which may lead to inconsistent application. The organization also noted that there is no requirement for the disclosure of all meetings between public officials and lobbyists or other third parties.

Recommendations from GRECO

GRECO further recommended that post-employment restrictions be broadened in scope to include employment in positions beyond managerial roles. While Croatia’s new law on lobbying prohibits persons with top executive functions from lobbying for a period of 18 months after leaving office, GRECO noted that the restriction only applies to managerial positions and not other types of employment.

The organization concluded that while some recommendations have been partly implemented, more needs to be done to prevent conflicts of interest in Croatia. GRECO called on the authorities to revisit the scope of post-employment restrictions and ensure consistent application of the provisions on disclosing meetings with third parties.

Key Takeaways

• Croatia’s new law on lobbying and Prevention of Conflicts of Interest Act introduce important measures to prevent conflicts of interest.
• However, GRECO expressed concern about the discretion left to public officials in disclosing meetings with third parties.
• Post-employment restrictions need to be broadened to include employment in positions beyond managerial roles.
• The authorities must ensure consistent application of provisions on disclosing meetings with third parties.

Recommendations for Improvement

Disclosure Requirements

Introduce a requirement for the disclosure of all meetings between public officials and lobbyists or other third parties.

Post-Employment Restrictions

Broaden post-employment restrictions to include employment in positions beyond managerial roles.

Consistent Application

Ensure consistent application of provisions on disclosing meetings with third parties.