Brussels, 22/01/2010 (Agence Europe) - Regional Policy Commissioner Pawe³ Samecki will travel to Croatian capital Zagreb on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 January for discussions with Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor and members of her government on Croatia's preparations for accession in the context of the EU cohesion policy. If Croatia joins the EU, it will be entitled to an investment boost from the policy of up to €1.1 billion in 2012 and the same again in 2013 - a 20-fold increase on the level of support it currently receives through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). The aim of this funding will be to help Croatia modernise its economy, create new jobs and improve living standards, and also to enhance the performance of its national and local administrations. Croatia and the Commission are already working in close cooperation on drafting future cohesion policy objectives and programmes.
On Monday, Samecki will meet Prime Minister Kosor and then hold talks with ministers responsible for implementation of pre-accession funding, including Minister of Finance Ivan Šuker, Minister of Transport Božidar Kalmeta, Minister of Environment Marina Matuloviæ Dropuliæ, Minister of Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship Ðuro Popijaè, and Minister of Regional Development and Deputy Prime Minister Božidar Pankretiæ. On Tuesday, he will meet members of Croatia's Parliament to ensure the quality of the projects and proper use of EU funding.
In a press release, the Commission reveals that Croatia received €438.5 million in EU investment under the IPA in 2007-2009. Three specific programmes target regional development: environment (€53.5 million), transport (€53.5 million) and regional competitiveness (€34.9 million). In the course of his meetings, the commissioner will underline the need to accelerate implementation of these programmes. (G.B./transl.rt)