Croatian MEP quits national party after friends attended EU Parliament event

POLITICO revealed that some of Jerković’s acquaintances, including an art historian and an actor friend, attended a health policy event organized by the MEP in December 2024. Their travel and meal expenses were covered by the S&D group. An attendance list viewed by POLITICO indicated these individuals had registered for the event as doctors and medical academics.

Jerković defended her actions, stating that she had invited citizens whom she was entitled to invite, and that all rules were followed with transparent reporting to competent institutions, which found no irregularities. She described the discrepancy in the attendance list as an "admin error." The S&D group also stated that it had rechecked the relevant documents and concluded that financial rules were respected. Jerković asserted that she would not accept having her professional integrity judged based on "insinuations, fabrications, and smear tactics."

SDP Secretary-General Jure Zubčić released a statement emphasizing the need to set new standards in Croatian politics, highlighting political and moral accountability in addition to legal liability. He indicated that those who cross this line would no longer have a place in the SDP.