The forum “Economic Development of Croatia Under the Influence of EU policies: Lessons Learned and Open Questions” was held on 29 October 2024 at the Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism of the University of Split. After the opening words of the vice-dean for science and international cooperation at the Faculty of Economics, Lena Malešević Perović, the opening presentation was given by Jakša Puljiz, Head of the Department for European policies at the Institute for Development and International Relations (IRMO). Dr Puljiz reminded of the economic context of Croatia’s accession to the European Union and the key milestones of Croatia’s economic development after the accession. He also referred to the content of the recently published book that analyzes the impact of EU policies on the formulation and implementation of public policies in Croatia after joining the European Union.
After the introductory presentation, a panel “Economic development of Croatia under the influence of EU policies: lessons learned and open questions” was held, moderated by Ivanka Zorić. The participants of the panel were: Vinko Muštra, professor at the Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism, University of Split, Zvonimir Savić, Economic Adviser to the President of the Republic of Croatia, Aida Liha Matejicek, Head of the Department for Croatia and Romania in the General Administration for Regional and Urban Policy, DG REGIO, European Commission, Goran Batinić, Director of the Development Agency of the City of Split and Jakša Puljiz.
The panel discussed the use of various EU instruments by the Republic of Croatia and the importance of distinguishing financial benefits from overall development effects achieved with the help of European funds. The participants pointed out that Croatia was very successful in drawing available funds, including the European Structural and Investment Funds, the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the EU Solidarity Fund. However, it was also pointed out that to achieve the full potential in terms of the effects of the used funds, it is vital to strengthen the quality of the governance at all levels, from national to regional and local. Participants emphasized the contribution of EU instruments in strengthening local and regional self-government units and promoting new approaches to encouraging local and regional development. A good example in this context is Integrated territorial investments, a mechanism which is also applied in Croatia to support urban development. Goran Batinić, director of the Development Agency of the city of Split, presented the recently opened Technology Park Split as an example of how EU funds support urban development through investments in innovation and technology infrastructure.
