The recent elections for the European Parliament in Croatia incurred a cost of €9.2 million, according to a preliminary report issued by the State Electoral Commission (DIP). This marks an increase of €1.8 million compared to the previous elections held in May 2019, largely attributed to various rising expenses.

Notably, the reported amount of €9.2 million does not encompass all expenditures. Some costs, including the compensation amounts due to political parties that secured one of Croatia’s 12 seats in the European Parliament, have yet to be included. A total of €159,000 has been allocated for this purpose, with a distribution of €11,415 per won seat and €6,637 for parties or independent candidates that did not secure a seat but received at least 5% of the valid votes.

To qualify for this compensation, candidates must have their election finances approved by the DIP. If no objections are raised, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) stands to receive €68,490 for its six seats, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) will receive €45,660 for its four seats, and the We Can! party and the Homeland Movement, each securing one seat, will receive €11,415 each for their representatives, Gordan Bosanac and Stephen Nikola Bartulica, respectively.

As the DIP continues to finalize the financial details, these figures underscore the increasing costs associated with the European Parliamentary elections in Croatia.