Croatia will receive a total of 9 billion euros from Cohesion Policy in 2021-2027 in the framework of its Partnership Agreement with the Commission to promote the economic, social and territorial cohesion of its regions and its green and digital transitions.
In particular, Croatia will dedicate nearly 31 per cent of the European Regional and Development Fund (ERDF) and 39 per cent of Cohesion Fund resources to climate objectives. Out of this, 2.56 billion euros will help the country improve energy efficiency, increase the share of renewables in energy production up to 60 per cent of electricity in 2030, enhance the circular economy and support climate resilience and biodiversity.
Moreover, 179 million euros from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) will mitigate the economic and employment effects of the green transition. This will be done through decarbonising energy-intensive industries, strengthening entrepreneurship and investing in the skills of the workers, diversifying the economy in the most affected regions, enhancing cooperation between business and research and increasing employment opportunities for the workforce.
The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund will invest 244 million euros in sustainable fisheries and the protection of marine biodiversity and ecosystems in the Adriatic Sea. The Fund will also further support the development of sustainable and low-carbon aquaculture and processing sectors, the economic and social vitality of fisheries communities and the implementation of international ocean governance. All supported actions will help Croatia to contribute toward the objectives of the Common Fishery Policy as well as the key EU policy priorities outlined in the European Green Deal, the Farm to Fork and the Biodiversity strategies.
“Europe’s blue economy creates tangible opportunities for coastal communities,” said Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius. “The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund supports innovative projects contributing to the sustainable exploitation of maritime resources, decarbonisation of our economy and protection of biodiversity. This Partnership Agreement drives Croatia’s green and digital transition and helps build low-carbon, sustainable, innovative, and resilient fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the Adriatic.”
