Press release - Conference Business sustainability with ESG principles 2025

Conducted in partnership with global consulting firm Kearney, the accompanying ESG survey offered valuable insights into how Croatian companies are implementing ESG principles, the challenges they encounter, and examples of best practice already established in the market. The results indicate significant progress in integrating ESG principles into business compared with the previous year. The award was presented at the fourth AmCham conference “Business Sustainability with ESG Principles.” Among the top three companies recognized were Atlantic Grupa, Končar, and Arena Hospitality Group, with Atlantic Grupa named this year’s overall ESG Champion. The award was accepted by Mr. Zoran Stanković, Vice President for Finance, Procurement, and Investments. 

“At Atlantic Grupa, we believe that true success in sustainability stems from a clear strategy supported by measurable and ambitious KPIs – ambitious enough to drive meaningful change, yet realistic and achievable,” said Ivana Bračun, Director of Investor Relations and ESG Reporting at Atlantic Grupa. “Such a strategy must be underpinned by an effective organizational structure, from establishing dedicated departments to ensuring strong management support. That’s why our ESG goals are not confined to the top levels of the company – our management team was the first to integrate them into their personal objectives, and their achievement now forms the basis of our reward system.” 

The conference focused on the new EU regulatory framework for corporate sustainability – the Omnibus Package – and the practical implementation of key directives, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and the EU Taxonomy Regulation for Sustainable Finance. 

“One of the key factors in strengthening the EU’s competitiveness is ensuring a favorable and predictable business environment for companies operating within the single market. That is why, with the proposal of the first Omnibus Package, we aim to reduce regulatory and administrative burdens, achieve cost savings, set clear standards, and create the conditions for faster and more efficient implementation. Most importantly, this approach is designed to allow companies to focus more on innovation, investment, and growth – on creating added value, employment, and development. At the same time, our strategic goals, policies, and standards remain unchanged. Altogether, these efforts represent an investment in strengthening the Union’s competitiveness and in resilient, circular, and sustainable growth – ultimately contributing to a better quality of life for our citizens,” said Zrinka Ujević, Head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia.

Andrea Doko Jelušić, Executive Director of AmCham Croatia, emphasized that the ESG agenda is already shaping regulatory frameworks and business practices, and will, in the coming period, have an even greater impact on the competitiveness and sustainability of the Croatian economy. Rina Musić, President of the AmCham Board of Governors, added that for many years, AmCham has, through its initiatives and policy recommendations, underlined that sustainability, transparency, and responsible governance form the foundation of corporate success and the long-term competitiveness of Croatia’s economy. 

The panel discussion “Excellence in Implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors” featured Ana Zorić, Directorate for Economy and Financial System, Ministry of Finance; Stanko Kršlović, Board Member of Philip Morris Zagreb; and Matija Mandić, Board Member and Chief Financial Officer of Telemach. 

Ana Zorić presented the Ministry of Finance’s perspective, noting: “The Omnibus Package aims to reduce the complexity of EU regulations, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, while larger companies will continue to be subject to reporting obligations, as they have the greatest impact on the environment and society. By introducing a more pragmatic approach, the EU seeks to stimulate growth, investment, and job creation, and to support the transition towards a sustainable economy. Croatia supports this approach, as it balances transparency with the capacities of entrepreneurs. Simplifying regulations will allow for clearer, more relevant, and more effective reporting.”

Industry representatives agreed on the importance of simplifying and streamlining ESG frameworks, while also emphasizing that businesses remain firmly committed to embedding ESG principles into their operations.  

During the panel, Matija Mandić stated: “At Telemach, sustainability is embedded in our business strategy and in the way we think and act every day. Beyond the fact that our technology underpins sustainable solutions across many industries, we are implementing specific initiatives to build a digital future that is responsible, inclusive, and green. In doing so, we are creating positive change that connects people, drives progress, and contributes to society’s green and digital transition.” 

Stanko Kršlović added: “Sustainability is a key driver of innovation and competitiveness. Alongside leading industry change towards a smoke-free future, we are systematically investing in sustainability and in our local community. Through our Circular Program – which enables the responsible collection, recycling, and energy recovery of used tobacco heating devices, tobacco inserts, and e-cigarettes – we have already collected more than six tonnes of waste from smoke-free products. Meanwhile, through our Start Something of Your Own project, we have supported domestic impact entrepreneurs for nine years, helping those who create positive social and environmental change, with total investments approaching one million US dollars.”