Zagreb hosted on 20 January the "National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NPOO) – Competitiveness and Green Transition in Croatia" conference, organized by the European Commission (EC) Representation in Croatia, with key attendees including EC Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic who highlighted that Croatia is among the most efficient European Union (EU) member states, alongside Italy, in implementing its NPOO, with around 80% of the EUR 10.5 billion allocated expected to be utilized by the end of the year, including significant investments in green and digital transitions, Croatian media report. However, as stated by EC representatives ahead of the conference, the disbursement of the sixth tranche of EUR 835.6 million under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) for Croatia has been postponed for eight weeks due to the lack of a legal framework to reform state-owned enterprises, which is expected to be resolved by March.Plenkovic emphasized at the conference that Croatia, alongside Italy, is the most efficient and fastest in implementing its National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NPOO) under the NextGenerationEU (NGEU) Instrument, with around 80% of the total EUR 10.5 billion, comprising half grants and half favorable loans, expected to be utilized by year-end.Plenkovic noted that this amount represents about 13% of Croatia's gross domestic product (GDP), with the deadline for implementing all reforms under the NPOO set for the end of 2026. According to Plenkovic, Croatia is among the countries that could genuinely utilize all allocated funds on time.Plenkovic also dismissed claims that Croatia will lose access to EU funds after 2027, labeling them as “misleading narratives” aimed at “undermining current economic achievements”.He explained that Croatia's growth and investments are driven not only by EU funds but also by responsible fiscal management and reforms, earning the country an "A" credit rating from all leading agencies. He highlighted that EU funds aim to help Croatia converge with more developed EU members, with the country expected to reach 82% of the EU’s development average by 2028.For his part, Fitto noted at the conference Croatia's leadership in implementing its NPOO, highlighting its EUR 4.5 billion absorption and strong economic growth exceeding 3%. While recognizing achievements such as eurozone and Schengen entry, he noted challenges in the green transition, competitiveness, and simplifying fund absorption procedures.However, as stated by EC representatives ahead of the conference, the Croatian Government requested the disbursement of EUR 836 million from the sixth tranche of NPOO funds, requiring 26 milestones, including reforms in state-owned enterprise management. The EC granted an additional eight weeks to finalize the legal framework, assuring there is no cause for concern as similar delays have occurred in other EU member states.Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Marko Primorac emphasized in his address at the conference that while NPOO funds are essential, the economic transformation through reforms and investments is more significant, with measures like digitalization and earthquake recovery providing long-term benefits worth tens of millions of euros.For his part, Regional Development and EU Funds Sime Erlic highlighted Croatia's full use of EUR 12 billion from the 2014–2020 financial perspective and accelerated contracting of EUR 5.6 billion from the 2021–2027 framework, focusing on digital and green transitions, with 2025 expected to be key for fund absorption. (ICE ZAGABRIA)

Fonte notizia: HRT online edition 20/01/2025