ZAGREB, 20 May 2026 (Hina) – New European Union rules regulating short-term accommodation rental platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com came into force on Wednesday, as Brussels moves to increase transparency and oversight in the rapidly growing sector.
The regulation, officially known as Regulation (EU) 2024/1028, introduces mandatory digital registration systems for hosts and requires platforms to regularly share data with national authorities, including information on guest numbers, overnight stays and registration details for accommodation units.
The rules apply across all EU member states, including Croatia, from 20 May following months of negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
The European Commission first proposed the legislation in 2022 as part of its strategy for small businesses and the digital market, at a time when a number of European cities, including Paris and Barcelona, were warning about the growing impact of short-term rentals on housing availability, infrastructure and local communities.
According to the regulation, one of the main problems identified was the lack of reliable and standardised information on hosts, accommodation locations and rental activity, making it difficult for authorities to monitor the market and develop effective public policy.
Under the new framework, member states seeking access to platform data must establish a single digital access point.
Platforms will also be required to verify registration numbers and remove listings that do not meet legal requirements. Data sharing with authorities is expected to take place largely on a monthly basis through automated systems.
Dutch MEP Kim Van Sparrentak, who acted as rapporteur for the legislation in the European Parliament, pushed during negotiations for stronger powers for national authorities in cases involving inaccurate or suspicious data, including the suspension of registration numbers.
The European Parliament adopted the final text in February 2024 with 493 votes in favour, 14 against and 33 abstentions.
Croatia preparing new digital registration system
Croatia is linking implementation of the EU regulation with a new Hospitality Act proposed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport.
Tourism and Sport Minister Tonči Glavina said the proposed legislation would establish a “clear framework for combating unregistered short-term accommodation rentals” and described it as the country’s biggest step so far in tackling the grey economy in the sector.
The proposal would introduce a unified digital registration procedure for hosts and mandatory registration numbers for every accommodation unit, preventing unregistered properties from being advertised on digital platforms.
Authorities would also have powers to suspend or withdraw registration numbers in cases involving inaccurate information or illegal activity.
The wider reform package includes plans to digitise all administrative procedures through Croatia’s central eTourism registry system, from categorisation requests to permit approvals.
Oversight powers would also be expanded to include customs authorities and local municipal wardens alongside the State Inspectorate.
Other proposed measures include mandatory periodic recategorisation of accommodation, stricter penalties for illegal operations and an end to the issuing of new permits for apartments and rooms in residential buildings.
The ministry said the rapid growth of short-term rental platforms, combined with insufficient market data, had contributed to pressure on housing availability and rising property prices, particularly in popular tourist destinations.
Croatian MEP and former tourism minister Nikolina Brnjac said the regulation would improve transparency and help member states better manage tourism and housing pressures.
She noted that each rental unit would receive an identification number, while illegal listings could be removed from digital platforms, calling it an important step in reducing the grey economy.
Brnjac also highlighted Croatia’s existing digital tourism monitoring systems, including eVisitor, saying they provide a strong foundation for implementation of the EU regulation and data-driven tourism management.
She added that discussions are already taking place at EU level on possible future legislative measures that could allow member states to introduce targeted restrictions in areas facing severe housing pressure, including limits on overnight stays, approval systems and zoning measures.
According to Brnjac, the European Commission could present further proposals by the end of the year.
