ZAGREB, March 4, 2019 – The solution for the Uljanik Group has to be sustainable and in accordance with European Union regulations and it has to bring the Uljanik and 3. Maj docks closer to market principles, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said on Monday.
Responding to reporters whether the government is closer to an agreement with Brodosplit owner Tomislav Debeljak regarding a solution to the ailing Uljanik Group, Plenković announced a series of meetings this week and underlined that a “solution has to be found that is sustainable and in accordance with state subsidies at the European Union level.”
Asked whether he was an optimist or pessimist in regard to thre shipyard, he said that he is a realist, just like he was last year when it was decided to help Uljanik and when, as he said, he very openly told workers, management, unions and others what options were on the cards,” and that he did the same in the 3. Maj dock.
“There are no balloons here or illusionist activities. There is one reality in which each new transformation of shipyards has to be closer to functioning on market principles,” Plenković said and added that the amount of state support from the preceding period simply isn’t realistic.
Asked whether the government would meet Debeljak’s conditions and settle Uljanik’s debts, he said that his bid is being analysed.
Economy Minister Darko Horvat said on Friday an “analytical discussion” about models and programmes for the overhaul of the Uljanik Group would be held next week with the recently selected strategic partner Tomislav Debeljak, who is the owner of the Brodosplit shipyard, and the most suitable model would be later presented to the government and Prime Minister Plenković.
Horvat said that the ministries of economy and finance would begin the analytical discussion with Debeljak and the Uljanik management on Monday.
More news on the Uljanik shipyard can be found in the Business section.
