Croatia’s inflation rate double Eurozone average, latest data reveals

Croatia’s inflation rate among the highest

Croatia recorded an annual inflation rate of 4.3% in May 2025, according to the latest data from Eurostat’s Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP).

The figure remains unchanged from April, though slightly lower than the January peak of 5.0%.

On a monthly basis, prices rose by 0.6%, signalling a modest increase in cost pressures.

While inflation appears to be stabilising, Croatia remains one of the European Union’s highest-inflation countries.

Croatia vs the EU

In contrast, the Euro area’s annual inflation is estimated to have declined to 1.9% in May, down from 2.2% in April, according to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

This places Croatia’s inflation rate at more than double the eurozone average.

Among major EU economies, Germany posted a 2.1% annual rate, while France saw just 0.6%. Italy and Spain both came in at 1.9%.

Even among Central and Eastern European peers, Croatia ranks high, with Lithuania at 3.0% and Slovakia matching Croatia at 4.3%. Finland (2.1%) and Latvia (3.7%) also reported lower figures.

What’s Driving the Trend?

Across the Euro area, the main contributors to inflation remain food, alcohol and tobacco, followed by services, industrial goods, and energy. While detailed data for Croatia has not been released, similar categories are likely to be influencing the country’s elevated rates.

Croatia’s higher inflation may reflect a mix of domestic economic factors and broader regional trends. Though stable on a yearly basis, the monthly rise hints at continued pressure. With the EU average easing, Croatia will need to monitor inflation developments closely as it looks to maintain economic stability.