Investors have a clearer panorama now that cannabis products production, industrialization, and export licenses are being streamlined.

Regarding industrial use, Livestock, Agriculture and Fishing Ministry (“MGAP”) have publicly stated that “they are working to amend cannabis and hemp legal framework, in order to make this industry more flexible, as a productive alternative to boost the agricultural sector and the country’s economy ”.

In 2020, cannabis is being exported for industrial and medical uses to different countries (including highly demanding markets, such as Switzerland). It is estimated that by the end of this year exports will reach about US$200 million.

Amid a fresh spike in COVID-19 infections across Southeast Europe, some governments are tightening measures to curb its continued spread.

In Croatia, Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic, also chief of the National Civil Protection Authority, told a news conference on Monday that the number of new infections there was on the rise.

While agreeing that most people have followed basic government health advice, Bozinovic noted that “a large number of people, consciously or unconsciously, do not”, adding: “Precisely because of this, other countries, and Croatia as well, are being forced to introduce various measures to protect life and the population.”

From Monday, the rules for gatherings and wearing masks would be expanded, Bozinovic explained. Masks will now be obligatory in indoor spaces, including bars or restaurants, except for guests sitting and dining at their tables. Organizers of gatherings with more than 50 attendees will need to seek prior permission from the Civil Protection Authority.

The number of active COVID-19 cases in Croatia currently stands at 2,712, while 327 people have died since the start of the pandemic.

Romania has also seen a substantial spike in daily new cases in recent days. Last week, the country recorded more than 3,000 cases in 24 hours for the first time since the pandemic started in March.

Romanian authorities have reported over 22,000 active cases. Some 5,411 people diagnosed with the disease have died. Indoor restaurants, bars, casinos, theatres and cinemas have been closed in the capital and in seven counties.