The Commission notes that in the present case the Commission has not provided any information on the amount of aid granted to the beneficiaries.

Opatija’s municipal council has approved a 33 percent increase in the fixed cost of waste collection services for households and businesses within its jurisdiction, sparking debate among local officials over the financial burden placed on residents. The new pricing structure, which will take effect in September, raises the mandatory minimum public service fee from 11.40 euros per month to 15.22 euros, including VAT. For households practicing composting, the charge will rise from 9.92 euros to 13.24 euros monthly. Businesses will face similar increases based on their activity type, with the new rate set at 13.47 euros per month before tax. The decision was supported by members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Kvarner Initiative, Action for Youth, and independent councillor Rajko Pupavac. Opposition came from three members of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and Igor Matković from an independent list. Alan Sanković, director of Komunalac Jurdani, the company responsible for waste management in Opatija, explained that the price hike reflects rising costs due to inflation, increased expenses for waste containers, vehicle depreciation, and higher labor costs. He emphasized that the company aims to maintain existing service standards while avoiding further inflationary pressures. Sanković noted that the cost of collecting bulky waste and mixed packaging has risen significantly, by 59 and 76 percent respectively, over the past two years. Additionally, the volume of collected packaging continues to grow annually, along with the costs associated with managing mixed household waste and organic waste. He stated that the price adjustment follows market trends to ensure sustainability without exacerbating inflation. Residents can benefit from lower rates by composting part of their organic waste, which they must declare through a statement submitted to Komunalac. An HDZ proposal suggesting that the city should cover the difference in increased waste collection costs for households did not gain majority support in the municipal council. Domagoj Tramontana, the HDZ proposer, argued that the city, as the founder of Komunalac, should bear some responsibility for the decision. However, Mayor Fernando Kirigin rejected the amendment, stating that it lacked budgetary provisions and technical feasibility. He added that the city already covers waste collection for financially disadvantaged residents through social programs and that the necessary IT system upgrades would require both time and resources. The discussion extended beyond waste management fees into a contentious debate over the relocation of maritime property boundaries. The municipal council proposed moving the boundary to allow for independent management of three attractive urban areas: Pančera (also known as Slatina), Tomaševac, and Zerta (Opatija’s Mul). Although the council did not formally adopt the proposal, it informed the assembly about the suggestion, indicating that further discussions would occur at the county level. This issue has become a focal point for local governance, highlighting tensions between municipal autonomy and regional oversight. In Viškovo, the municipal administration announced the implementation of a new regulation regarding waste collection fees for non-household users. The initial monthly fee stands at 95.44 euros excluding VAT, with several criteria allowing for reductions. These include businesses with fewer than ten employees or operating spaces under 1000 square meters, receiving a discount of 47.72 euros, reducing the fee to 47.72 euros. Smaller operations with fewer staff or smaller premises qualify for even greater discounts, down to 23.86 euros for those with one employee or less than 20 square meters. Hospitality providers operating from private homes receive a reduction of 62.04 euros, bringing their fee to 33.40 euros. KD Čistoća d.o.o., the waste management company serving Viškovo, will soon send detailed information via email to all non-residential users, requesting them to confirm their business details and submit the required declaration within 15 days. Once received and processed, these details will be entered into the system, ensuring the applicable discounts are applied according to the regulations. Users who have not received the email or have additional questions can contact KD Čistoća directly through the provided email address.