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Hrvatski Telekom is the first company in Croatia to receive the highest national award for sustainable business

26.3.2026

Hrvatski Telekom is the first company in Croatia to receive the highest national award for sustainable business

  • Over €1.2 billion invested in infrastructure over five years
  • 100% renewable electricity and zero emissions in own operations
  • AI and digital skills are accessible to citizens through national education programs

Nataša Rapaić - President of the Management Board of Hrvatski Telekom

Hrvatski Telekom has become the first company in Croatia to be awarded the Golden HRIO, the highest national recognition for sustainable business. This award is granted by the Croatian Business Council for Sustainable Development (HR PSOR) to companies that meet the highest sustainability standards and achieve long-term, measurable results. The company demonstrates this through tangible achievements, including investing in modern networks and reducing emissions, developing circular-economy practices, and improving citizens' digital skills.

Sustainability is embedded in Hrvatski Telekom's daily operations, with 22 years of reporting on environmental, social, and governance progress. "Sustainability is how we run our company. We integrate sustainable practices into all levels of operations and decision-making, with clear goals and measurable results. We believe this approach brings long-term resilience and success," said Nataša Rapaić, President of the Management Board of Hrvatski Telekom.

This consistency and concrete results have been recognized through the Golden HRIO award. On this occasion, Mirjana Matešić, Director of the Croatian Business Council for Sustainable Development, stated: "The HRIO certificate confirms that the company has met all requirements of the HRIO methodology, with the accuracy of claims verified by a specialist audit team. As the holder of the Golden HRIO certificate, HT is at the very top of responsible and sustainable business in the Republic of Croatia."

Hrvatski Telekom builds its sustainability across three core areas: climate change, efficient resource use, and inclusivity, with emphasis on digital inclusion.

In climate action, HT continues to invest in network modernization and energy-efficient technologies, including fiber-optic and 5G infrastructure. Since 2021, it has used 100% renewable electricity, achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions in its own operations in 2025. The long-term goal is the complete climate neutrality across the entire value chain by 2040. By using "green" electricity, HT has prevented 97,000 tons of CO2 emissions over the past five years.

It has also signed Croatia's first virtual Power Purchase Agreement (vPPA), covering about 45% of its annual electricity needs. "This ensures fewer CO2 emissions and energy cost stability, while directly supporting the construction of a new wind farm in Croatia. We are not only securing our own energy transition but also aiding the broader development of renewable energy sources in Croatia," highlighted Matija Kovačević, Management Board Member for Finance, adding that systematic network modernization investments last year contributed to a 10% improvement in energy intensity

Hrvatski Telekom advances responsible resource management through the "Call You Have to Take" platform and circular business models, encouraging proper disposal and reuse of electronic devices. Over 100,000 devices have been collected so far, reducing e-waste and promoting sustainable consumer habits.

At the same time, programs like "You Can Do AI Too" and "Tools for Modern Times" invest strongly in digital inclusion, providing equal access, digital skills development, and understanding of modern technologies. The "You Can Do AI Too" program has educated over 140,000 people, with video content achieving more than 1.3 million views. "Tools for Modern Times", aimed at children and youth, will reach about 6,500 children from 219 primary schools across nineteen counties by the end of the school year.

Digital infrastructure development is key to all these initiatives and overall economic competitiveness. Hrvatski Telekom builds optical networks for over 100,000 new households annually, with fiber now available in all counties and 189 cities and communities. It also participates in EU co-financed projects to further reduce the digital divide.

"Digital infrastructure is the foundation of economic development and citizens' quality of life, from high-speed and reliable internet to new digital services and AI. Over the past five years, we have invested more than €1.2 billion in network and technology development, including €268.4 million last year alone. Thanks to these investments, we are expanding fiber optic and 5G networks across Croatia, including rural areas, and making AI tools and solutions accessible to everyone, enabling better connectivity, new business opportunities, and more equitable, inclusive digital development in the country," said Siniša Đuranović, Management Board Member and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Hrvatski Telekom.

The growing digitalization brings new security challenges, making cybersecurity a top priority. The HT Group is a center of excellence for cybersecurity across Deutsche Telekom Europe, protecting over 150 organizations of all sizes and sectors through its security operations center. In the last two years, HT and Combis have processed over 4,300 potential threats and prevented sixty-three serious high- and critical-level cyberattacks.

This strong focus on sustainability, investments, and innovation is recognized in the market. Hrvatski Telekom is one of the most valued companies on the Zagreb Stock Exchange, with a market capitalization of around €3.1 billion and over 146,000 shareholders. Stable operations and high corporate governance standards ensure ongoing investor confidence and long-term shareholder value.

Siniša Đuranović - Member of the Management Board and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Hrvatski Telekom, Nataša Rapaić - President of the Management Board of Hrvatski Telekom, Mirjana Matešić - Director of the Croatian Business Council for Sustainable Development, Matija Kovačević - Member of the Management Board and Chief Financial Officer of Hrvatski Telekom