PM Andrej Plenković and Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds Gabrijela Žalac officially opened the “EU Funds Week” event during a ceremony held at Zagreb’s Sheraton Hotel yesterday, April 24.
Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds is organizing the “EU Funds Week” in cooperation with other partner institutions. The informative and educational event will take place at Sheraton Hotel April 24 – 28 and its aim is to inform the public and all potential beneficiaries of the possibilities and benefits they could gain from using European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI).
PM Plenković said that Croatia has access to EU funds and that the present government is aware that changes are necessary in order to ensure the allocation of around 10.7 million EUR from EU funds.
“Change itself will not be enough unless there are people to implement it. This Government has recognized the importance of strengthening administrative capacities on national and regional levels and this is a crucial step for withdrawing EU funds successfully. We will make additional efforts to ensure experts and professionals are employed at EU funds management and control systems, so that the changes we are trying to implement do not endanger the system’s stability,” PM Plenković added.
“Preparatory activities on act amendments are underway and we should have a quality and functional regional development politics in place soon, as well as a more regulated system for EU funds management. All the amendments we have made and the ones we are currently working on will contribute to more funds being withdrawn, signifying better economic and living conditions for Croatian citizens,” Minister Žalac pointed out.
In addition, the Minister emphasized the importance of cooperation on all levels. “We must listen to what our users and potential users in the field are saying. Without regional coordinators, development agencies and action groups and the information they provide, efficient development management is not possible.”
Cooperation with local and regional partners has resulted in “The most successful EU project in the Republic of Croatia” contest, so the Prime Minister and Minister Žalac used this opportunity to present the winners of the most successful EU projects with awards, as well as to give certificates of participation to all other contestants, stating that it is their wish that these projects encourage and give ideas for new projects. “The possibilities are numerous and we are doing our best to make the process of application for co-financing as accessible and as simple as we can. I would like to use this opportunity to invite all interested users to contact our regional coordinators, who are truly our arm in the field, and who will help you make your ideas and projects come true,” Minister Žalac concluded.
Different financing possibilities within the Financial Framework 2014 – 2020 will be presented on each day of the EU Funds Week, and there will also be exchanges of good practice and panel discussions.
You can find the detailed programme here
Text and photos: razvoj.gov.hr
