The European Commission called on Croatia on Wednesday to "comply with EU rules to ensure an effective monitoring, control and inspection system for Croatian bluefin tuna farms," state agency Hina said.

As part of this month’s infringements package, Croatia received a letter of formal notice after an audit and verification by the Commission “identified serious shortcomings in monitoring the transfer and caging operations of bluefin tuna.”

“National authorities should ensure that data are cross-checked, accurate and validated, and should investigate potential non-compliance cases and take administrative or criminal measures against those responsible for infringing EU law,” the Commission said.

It considers that Croatia “has not taken the necessary steps to address these deficiencies” and therefore sent a letter of formal notice,” saying that Croatia has two months to respond to the letter and take the necessary measures.

“In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion,” Hina reported, without clarifying.