"It is important that since 2016, when the programme for Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem was announced, we have created a high-quality structure of dialogue, cooperation and communication, and ultimately the realisation of projects. We have HRK 20 billion worth of contracted and HRK 12.5 billion worth of paid projects," Plenković said.
He added that these results speak of the intensive work and coordination of a number of ministries. He stated that the presentations made today by Minister of Regional Development and European Union Funds Nataša Tramišak, Minister of Agriculture Marija Vučković, Minister of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy Marin Piletić, State Secretary of the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Josip Bilaver and president of the Hrvatske Ceste road management company Josip Škorić, are proof that they are doing well.
"We want this approach to enable us to contribute to the realisation of the goals of the national development strategy in the next multiannual financial framework and to combine these funds with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan," Plenković said.
He underscored that the project of a fruit and vegetable distribution centre in Nemetin near Osijek, worth HRK 75 million, is an example of how to put available funds into operation.
He again underlined the significance of the revised map of regional subsidies, saying that it is not the same whether a foreign investor comes to the Zagreb area or to eastern Croatia.
New programme period 2022 - 2027
Minister Tramišak advised about the new programme period 2022 - 2027 and all the possibilities that await the whole of Croatia, including the region of Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem.
The programmes were submitted to the European Commission on 8 July, so we expect formal approval of €6.7 billion for the regional programmes in September, Tramišak said.
The Council for Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem was established in 2017 as an advisory body to coordinate the implementation and monitor the use of European structural and investment funds, instruments and programmes, the European Economic Area and national resources within the framework of the Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem project.
So far, the Council has met in Osijek, Požega, Slavonski Brod, Virovitica, Vinkovci, Beli Manastir, Pakrac, Nova Gradiška, Orahovica, Vukovar, Našice and Pleternica.
Text: Hina