Brussels, 14/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 14 December, the European Commission approved the last pre-accession and transition assistance programme for Croatia, with a budget of €46.8 million. The funds will focus on strengthening administrative capacity for an efficient justice system and the protection of fundamental rights. Funding will also support Croatia's on-going efforts to build a modern, transparent and citizen-oriented public service, the Commission adds in a press release. Furthermore, funding will help to improve border infrastructure, rehabilitate the Turopolje Correctional Institute, provide support for Croatian civil society organisations, and finance de-mining activities.
Since 2007, the EU has made available a total of €998 million under the instrument for pre-accession assistance (IPA) for Croatia, which is expected to join the EU on 1 July 2013 and benefit from structural and cohesion funds. (CG/transl.jl)