MGG Law Partner Dino Gliha talks about TMT in 2025 in Croatia.
CEELM: What is in the pipeline in terms of legislation that you believe will have the most impact on TMT practices in Croatia?
Gliha: There are three key legislative updates in the TMT space that I’d highlight for Croatia. First, there’s the Media Act, which has been under discussion for the last 2-3 years. While no official draft has been published yet, leaked documents from working groups have sparked concerns about potential challenges to media freedom. The supervisory council overseeing the act might have an expanded scope, which has led to heated debates. Journalist associations and stakeholders are particularly worried, and we’ll likely see the first draft by the end of this year. This is definitely something to watch closely, especially as we move into 2026.
Second, there’s the Act on Representation in the Field of Intellectual Property Rights. This act is a bit outdated, and after long discussions, it’s finally on the legislative agenda. A working group has been formed, but we’re still waiting to see the proposed amendments. Most of the changes are expected in the latter part of the year. The act would most likely introduce amendments implementing EU laws but could review prescribed requirements for professionals entering the field. It might be a significant development for IP practitioners.
Lastly, there’s the implementation of EU regulations, particularly DORA and the AI Act. While DORA is already in force, the AI Act is set to take full effect in 2026. The AI Act focuses mainly on transparency, and the ethical use of AI, while many significant questions related to AI that should have been clarified remained outside the scope of the regulation. There’s still a lot of confusion in the market about its obligations. Many clients are unaware of what’s required, and there’s a lack of clear guidelines. This is a major area of focus, especially as AI adoption grows across industries.
CEELM: Of the above, which ones are you/your clients most excited about and why?
Gliha: Is anyone ever excited about new regulations? The Act on Representation in the Field of Intellectual Property Rights is more of a concern for practitioners like us. The changes concerning the Media Act seem to be something that people in media are not thrilled about, given the fears around media freedom. However, the AI Act and related regulations are generating a lot of discussion. Clients are starting to become more aware of AI’s potential, and there’s a lot of curiosity about how to leverage it while staying compliant. While it’s not exactly “exciting,” it’s definitely the most talked-about topic, especially as businesses explore AI-driven solutions.
CEELM: On the flip side, which ones are you/your clients dreading the most and why?
Gliha: The AI Act is probably the most daunting for clients. The main issue is the lack of clarity around obligations. If you ask five experts about compliance, you’ll likely get five different answers – similar to what happened with the GDPR in its early days. Many SMEs, in particular, are worried about the potential costs and risks of non-compliance. There’s also a lot of confusion about what constitutes AI and who will actually fall under the scope of the act. Clients love innovation but are hesitant to take on big risks, especially in the early stages of implementation. Without clearer guidelines, there’s a lot of uncertainty, which is causing anxiety.
CEELM: In which sectors relevant to your practice do you expect to see the most work in 2025 in Croatia? What do you believe will drive that work?
Gliha: I expect to see a lot of activity in sectors like science, IT, music, even chemistry, and agriculture, as these industries are increasingly exploring AI applications. AI is ultimately a tool that can be applied across various fields, and many clients are now trying to figure out how to integrate AI solutions while complying with new regulations. For example, companies working with IP rights are looking into how AI can streamline their processes, but they’re also concerned about compliance and ownership issues.
The drive behind this work is the growing awareness of AI’s potential and the need for strategic digital transformation. Clients are asking for AI readiness assessments and guidance on how to implement solutions without running afoul of regulations. AI is reshaping industries, and it’s fascinating to be part of that transformation.
This article was originally published in Issue 12.1 of the CEE Legal Matters Magazine. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the magazine, you can subscribe here.
