Croatia
| Implementation of Directive 2020/1828 |
| Type of procedure and model |
Class action; opt-in (but in cases involving orders/prohibitions on specific actions, there is no requirement to consent to being represented by an qualified entity) |
| Entity authorized to bring an action |
Consumer organizations and public entities involved in consumer protection designated by the Croatian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development. |
| Third-party funding |
Admissible, provided that there is no conflict of interest and no harm to consumer protection. Funding of proceedings by a competitor of the defendant is prohibited.
The funding party cannot influence the claimant’s decisions. |
| Facilities for consumers |
Qualified entities are exempt from court fees.
Proceedings in representative actions are defined in the Act as “urgent” – in cases concerning the determination and prohibition of unlawful activities, the preparatory hearing should be held within 30 days of receipt of the response to the statement of claim. The action may be brought according to general jurisdiction or according to the place where the violation occurred.
It is possible to appoint an ad hoc qualified entity. |
| Other comments |
A qualified entity may request a symbolic fee from consumers who have expressed their willingness to be represented by it in a class action lawsuit for compensation. The fee may not exceed 5% of the value of the compensation for the damage that is the subject of the consumer’s claim. The fee cannot exceed EUR 70.00. |
Update: February/March 2025
