The second annual meeting of Croatian regulators was held on July 6 at the Croatian National Bank (HNB), bringing together representatives from various regulatory institutions in Croatia. The aim was to exchange experiences, identify common challenges, and enhance cooperation among the agencies.

Key participants included representatives from the Media Agency (AEM), the Personal Data Protection Agency (AZOP), the Competition Agency (AZTN), the Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (Hanfa), the Croatian Energy Regulatory Agency (HERA), and HNB. The main theme of this year's meeting was the influence of global instability on the work of regulatory bodies, with a special emphasis on cybersecurity.

In his opening remarks, HNB Governor Ante Žigman highlighted the importance of maintaining public trust and cooperation among regulators, especially during crises. He emphasized that citizens are primarily concerned with accessing essential services and reliable information during such times.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Tomislav Ćorić praised the conference as a valuable opportunity for constructive dialogue and strengthening collaboration among institutions that share a common responsibility towards citizens and the economy. He noted that the risks faced by regulators today extend beyond economic trends to include cybersecurity threats and geopolitical instability.

Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar stressed the need for clear rules and strong institutions to support the development of the Croatian economy, particularly in the energy sector. He pointed out that technological changes, including artificial intelligence and digital platforms, directly impact the economy and require regulatory solutions that keep pace with technological advancements.

HAKOM Council President Tonko Obuljen emphasized that the conference provided an opportunity to connect various perspectives, including communication infrastructure, financial stability, and operational resilience. He noted that resilience is an ongoing process that requires constant adaptation to evolving threats.

Anamarija Staničić, Deputy Chair of Hanfa's Management Board, presented on the implications of cyberattacks for regulators, highlighting the increased level of global uncertainty and systemic risks that challenge the predictability of the regulatory environment.

A panel discussion featured key figures from various regulatory bodies, who shared experiences regarding the challenges faced in light of heightened geopolitical, technological, and security risks. They underscored the importance of inter-institutional cooperation and knowledge exchange in strengthening the resilience of Croatia's regulatory system.

The panel also highlighted the need to view the resilience of communication infrastructure as a cross-sectoral issue, as electronic communication networks underpin various critical sectors, including finance, energy, and public safety. Coordinated regulatory responses to such risks are essential.

Mirta Kapural, Chair of the Council, concluded by stating that regulators play a crucial role in maintaining legal certainty and open market competition during periods of global instability. She emphasized that effective market competition and well-functioning markets contribute to greater resilience and innovation.