Brussels, 09/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 4 December, Croatia opened a public consultation on the European structural funds available for the programming period 2014-2020, as Zagreb has been entitled to benefit from this funding since it joined the EU on 1 July 2013. The consultation will feed into a structural funds spending strategy to be drafted by the Croatian authorities. This strategy will help to reconcile the funds available with the country's development needs as well as with European objectives for inclusive, green and intelligent growth.
The Croatian initiative has been welcomed by European Commissioner for Regional Development Johannes Hahn, who described it as “a vital step in setting up a continuous partnership and two-way communication channel with all interested partners”. He therefore calls upon all Croatian citizens to take part in this consultation so that they can have their say and help to shape the future of investments in their regions. “Our experience shows that partnership significantly improves the quality and the implement a nation of public policies”. (MD/transl.fl)