Croatia

Water and Wastewater Services in the Danube Region - A state of the sector

This regional state of the sector review and makes an overall assessment of the state of the sector in 16 countries in the Danube region along different dimensions - namely the context for services, the organization of services, access to services, performance of services and the financing of services.

Water and Wastewater Services in the Danube Region - A state of the sector

This note is part of a regional state of the sector review and makes an overall assessment of the state of the sector along different dimensions - namely the context for services, the organization of services, access to services, performance of services and the financing of services.

The second Environmental Performance Review (EPR) of Croatia began in October 2012 with a preparatory mission. During this mission, the structure of the review report was discussed and the time-schedule established. A review mission took place on 12-19 March 2013. The team of international experts taking part included experts from Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, the Republic of Moldova, Slovakia and as well as from the EEA and the secretariats of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and ECE.

The natural environment is one of the most important assets in Croatia’s economy; it is one of the main drivers of economic development, given its essential role in tourism in Croatia. The country has a well-preserved environment mainly due to the absence of heavy industrial pollution over recent years; it is distinguished by a great biological and geographical diversity and has relatively abundant fresh water supplies. However, the level of environmental protection is in general lower than in the EU.

The Implementation Plan for water utility directives has been prepared on the basis of Technical consultations that lasted from February 2009 to April 2010 and contains agreed activities and deadlines concerning implementation of directives and represents the base for clarifying the request for transition period.