EU Accession Challenges in the Water Supply and Water Pricing Sectors in Croatia

Since water is one of the most valuable natural resources, it needs good governance and efficient management. Although Croatia is water rich country, its water sector is facing with major challenges during the EU accession process. Besides legal harmonization with EU acquis communautaire, water institutions and water supply companies will need to accept new operating models. This will lead to the integral water management, based on the principles of sustainable development. Water pricing policy in Croatia needs to be re-evaluated and structured according to the Water Framework Directive. This work presents necessary steps that should be undertaken in order to achieve high EU standards in the water sector that has significant social, environmental and economic impact. The improvements in the water sector would have not only national, but also broader regional character, since Croatian water resources are significant part of several river basins.