Croatia prepares energy measures amid Middle East tensions

In light of rising tensions in the Middle East, the Croatian government says it is ready to intervene if further instability hits the energy market, including potential price caps and other measures to protect citizens and the economy.

“These initial price shocks have caused a level of hysteria, prompting countries to fill their emergency reserves. We expect the situation to stabilize shortly. But if things do not return to normal by Tuesday, we are prepared to respond accordingly,” said Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković also emphasized that the government is prepared, if necessary, to implement energy price caps alongside other measures already in place to support citizens and the Croatian economy.

In related developments, lawmakers debated a draft law on nuclear power development in Croatia. The government says nuclear energy is essential for future energy security and is the only way to achieve the EU’s ambitious green-energy targets by 2040.

Opposition MP Marin Miletić of Most expressed support for the responsible consideration of nuclear energy. “The country needs stable, reliable, and clean energy — and nuclear power can provide exactly that,” he said.

Homeland Movement President Ivan Penava, whose party is part of the ruling coalition, said Croatia and its citizens remain vulnerable amid global instability. He described the proposed law as “designed to strengthen the country’s energy security, energy sovereignty, and overall domestic stability.”

Minister Šušnjar added that Europe has set clear targets for low-carbon and renewable electricity, with more than 90 percent expected by 2040. “Without nuclear energy,” he said, “this goal is almost impossible to achieve.”