Eurogroup raises concern over Croatia's draft budget

"The Eurogroup notes that, based on the Commission assessment, the DBPs (draft budgetary plans) of Belgium, Finland, France and Croatia risk being not in line with the fiscal recommendation of the Council," the organisation said in a press release on Thursday.

The Eurogroup urged these member states to promptly consider and, if necessary, take action to address the risks identified by the European Commission.

Last month, the Commission asked Croatia to ensure a prudent fiscal policy, in particular by limiting the nominal increase in nationally financed net primary expenditure to not more than 5.1%.

According to the Commission's 2023 autumn forecast, Croatia’s net nationally financed primary expenditure is projected to increase by 10.4% in 2024.