Author(s): Ana-Maria Boromisa, Natalija Golubovac, Natasa Vetma
Croatia has difficulties to comply with waste management regulations. Not only that huge investments are necessary, but the challenge are also weaknesses of governance structures and unclear separation of competences. This paper identifies regulatory and institutional bottlenecks for waste management system in Croatia and provides recommendations on how to tackle them. It provides recommendations to stakeholders involved in implementing the Waste Management Plan, including their obligations and duties under the current regulation, and addresses opportunities for easier project implementation. In addition, it proposes an institutional and organizational set-up for reaching EU waste management objectives, including multi-institutional implementation bodies or special-purpose vehicles. Due to the delays in implementation of the Waste Management Plan and the changes underway to EU legislation, this paper also looks into the formation and structure of a permanent negotiation team to discuss/negotiate an action plan for avoiding infringement procedures as well as facilitating changes in relevant EU directives and their future application to Croatia.