Zagreb, February 10, 2026 — The Croatian competition authority AZTN has opened proceedings against seven construction-sector companies and carried out unannounced inspections as part of a suspected cartel investigation linked to public procurement for earthquake reconstruction services in Zagreb.
The investigation concerns Eptisa Adria, Expertplan, Projektna cjelina, JC development & strategy, Consol, Građevinski laboratorij, and Advanced Consulting Engineering Services.
Public Procurement Concerns
The proceedings were initiated following a notification from the State Commission for the Supervision of Public Procurement Procedures (DKOM), which identified irregularities in a tender procedure for operational coordination services related to the structural reconstruction of earthquake-damaged residential and mixed-use buildings in Zagreb.
The contracting authority in the tender was the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction, and State Assets. The procurement was divided into five lots.
After conducting a preliminary market assessment, AZTN determined that sufficient indications existed to initiate formal proceedings under Article 8 of the Competition Act, which prohibits agreements that prevent, restrict, or distort competition.
The authority is examining whether the companies may have concluded a prohibited agreement by restricting competition, coordinating conduct, and/or dividing the market or sources of supply in the relevant market for architectural, construction, technical, and inspection services, as well as project management services in construction in the City of Zagreb.
Dawn Raids Conducted
To secure additional evidence, AZTN conducted unannounced inspections on January 21, 2026, at the business premises of Eptisa Adria, Expertplan, Projektna cjelina, Consol, and JC, pursuant to powers under the Competition Act and based on an order issued by the High Administrative Court of the Republic of Croatia.
The authority emphasised that the initiation of proceedings and the conduct of dawn raids do not prejudge the outcome of the case. A final decision will be adopted after the completion of the investigation and full assessment of the facts.
