AmCham member Alpheus Public Affairs has, together with its parent company Val Group conducted its fifth annual Zero Quadrant survey, which examines and analyzes the attitudes, beliefs, fears, and expectations of Croatian citizens while providing an overview of key trends compared to previous years' research.
The past year has been fraught with challenges and upheavals, both economically and geopolitically, significantly impacting citizens. Rising prices are a concern for 90% of respondents. Young people are particularly affected, expressing pronounced fears about rising real estate prices and job insecurity, which complicates family planning. Trust in institutions and the public sector remains low, but confidence in the private sector is also declining, as citizens increasingly demand transparency and social responsibility from companies. Demographic challenges further burden society, with 90% of citizens believing that demographic policy should be a priority. The most important demographic measures include lower income taxes and housing subsidies for young families. Citizens are gradually adjusting to the presence of foreign workers, with 54.8% viewing them as a necessary evil but acknowledging that the country cannot do without them.
When it comes to Croatia's involvement as a NATO member in international conflicts, half of the citizens oppose such actions, while 60% support the introduction of mandatory military service.
This year, citizens remain pessimistic about their financial future: 43.7% believe life will become more expensive in the coming period, and that they will spend more. Young people are slightly more likely to share this view. These findings underscore the need for a systematic response to address key challenges and strengthen citizens' trust across all segments of society.
Join the leading international business community in Croatia.
Since 1998, AmCham Croatia has represented American, international, and Croatian companies' business interests. With over 350 members employing around 100,000 people, we are the voice of international business in Croatia. We are the first choice of international companies for policy advocacy in Croatia.
