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Two state projects to explore and exploit gas and oil in Croatia are on hold until the new government prepares everything for the signing of contracts with foreign companies.

Croatia still has not signed the contract for oil and gas exploration on the Adriatic seabed with five companies that obtained licences in January.

The initial deadline to sign the agreement, set for April, has already been moved.

Companies that have received licenses to explore for oil and gas in the Croatian Adriatic will have to wait months before signing their contracts and starting exploration activities.

Croatia's Economy Minister, Ivan Vrdoljak, on Wednesday said an independent committee would review bids for on-shore oil and gas tenders in eastern Croatia.

The government opened the offer for gas and oil exploration and exploitation in the continental region of Slavonia in eastern Croatia along the Sava and Drava rivers last July.