Croatia and the OECD – A New Perspective for Development
Executive Summary
The EFRI Business Forum 2025 was held on 20 February 2025 at Hotel Navis in Opatija, organised by the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka, in cooperation with its media partner Novi list. The main topic of the Forum was Croatia’s accession to the OECD, one of the most important strategic issues for the country’s economy and public policy in the coming years.
The Forum brought together representatives of the business sector, government institutions, regulatory bodies, analysts, and the academic community to deepen the understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with Croatia’s OECD membership.
Thematic Focus of the 2025 Edition
1. OECD as a Framework for Economic Development
Discussions focused on how OECD standards influence economic policies, governance, regulatory practices, and Croatia’s international positioning.
2. Investment Climate and Business Environment
The panel analysed expected changes for investors, the development of the business climate, necessary institutional adjustments, and opportunities to enhance competitiveness.
3. Institutional Reforms and Public Policy
Participants addressed the impact of OECD membership on the public sector, transparency, regulatory quality, and the obligations arising from membership.
4. Impact on the Private Sector and Labour Market
The discussion covered perspectives of the business sector, the adaptation of companies to new standards, changes in work processes, and implications for the labour market.
Programme of the Business Forum 2025
Participants and Nature of the Forum
The Forum gathered representatives of government institutions, the business and financial sectors, and professional organisations. The central discussion focused on the long-term effects of OECD membership, supported by expertly moderated panels and keynote presentations.
Emphasis was placed on developing informed perspectives based on data, comparative analysis, and the practical experiences of OECD member countries.
Strategic Outcomes of the 2025 Edition
- contribution to a deeper understanding of Croatia’s OECD accession process,
- analysis of institutional, regulatory, and economic changes,
- creation of opportunities for cooperation between the business and public sectors,
- strengthening the Forum’s role as a platform for professional dialogue on nationally significant economic issues