Artificial Intelligence law at Croatia
Croatia is actively aligning its national framework with the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), which is set to come into full effect on 2 August 2026. This legislation is the first comprehensive AI regulation globally, focusing on ensuring that AI systems are safe, transparent, and respect fundamental rights.(mpu.gov.hr)
🇭🇷 Croatia’s Role in AI Regulation
Croatia has designated several key national bodies to oversee the implementation and enforcement of the AI Act:
Ombudsman of the Republic of Croatia
Ombudsperson for Children
Ombudsperson for Gender Equality
Ombudsperson for Persons with Disabilities
Personal Data Protection Agency
State Election Commission
Agency for Electronic Media (Legal and Human Resources Department)(mpu.gov.hr, Lex Mundi)
These institutions are tasked with safeguarding citizens' fundamental rights in the context of AI deployment. (mpu.gov.hr)
⚖️ Legal and Ethical Framework
While Croatia has not yet enacted a standalone national AI law, it is committed to integrating the EU AI Act's provisions into its legal system. The Ombudsman of Croatia has highlighted the importance of a human-centric approach, emphasizing principles such as safety, transparency, accountability, and protection from bias and discrimination. The Ombudsman also advocates for mandatory human rights impact assessments for high-risk AI systems and the establishment of clear legal remedies for individuals affected by AI decisions. (Ombudsman)
🏛️ AI in Public Administration
Croatia is exploring the use of AI to enhance transparency and efficiency in its judiciary. The Ministry of Justice and Public Administration has implemented an AI tool to automate the pseudonymisation of judicial decisions before their publication. This initiative aims to balance the need for transparency with the protection of personal data, ensuring that judicial decisions are accessible while respecting privacy rights. (Portal)
📚 Policy Development and AI Strategy
Croatia is in the process of developing a national AI strategy, which is expected to provide a comprehensive framework for AI development and regulation. The strategy will align with the EU's Coordinated Plan on AI and include ethical guidelines, provisions for human rights impact assessments, and regulations on the responsibility and transparency of AI developers. The goal is to create a normative framework that ensures AI technologies are developed and implemented in a manner that respects fundamental rights and promotes public trust. (Ombudsman)
🌐 Regional and International Engagement
Croatia is actively participating in regional and international initiatives to shape the future of AI. The country has contributed to the European AI Act and co-founded the European AI Forum, demonstrating its commitment to influencing AI policy at both the EU and global levels. (CroAI)
In summary, Croatia is taking significant steps to regulate AI in alignment with EU standards. Through the designation of competent authorities, the development of a national AI strategy, and active participation in regional and international initiatives, Croatia aims to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used in a manner that respects fundamental rights and promotes public trust.
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