Emphasis on urban development of all county seat cities – 800 million euros directly from the ITU mechanism

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Plenković recalled that his Government had already established a systematic and continuous dialogue with counties, cities and municipalities in its first term in 2016 and had sought to adjust all national policies, the use of funds from the state budget and European sources in order to reduce the gap that Croatia has in relation to the European Union members that were integrated before us. In this context, he mentioned the huge strides that have been made in this aspect, illustrating them with the fact that in 2016 Croatia was at 61 percent of the European Union average level of development, it is now at 77 percent, and by the end of this mandate it will be at 82 percent.

Another big and measurable step forward is absolute GDP, he added, which was 47 billion euros in 2016, and by the end of this year it will be around 95 billion euros.

The policy of balanced regional development, he continued, was manifested in 2016 primarily in the establishment of the Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem Project. Since then, more than 3 billion and 200 million euros have been invested in this project, he emphasized, as assistance for the five Slavonian counties, four of which were among the least developed of all Croatian counties.

After that, he reminded, the Development Agreement for Northern Croatia was made. It includes 36 development projects worth 2 billion euros, and as many as 27 of them are in the process of being implemented.

At the same time, the Government decided to put emphasis on urban development of cities. A major step forward has been made here, he added, by including all cities that are the seats of Croatian counties, and the latest decision also includes Velika Gorica, the host of today's meeting.

The Government increased the funds from the current multi-year financial perspective that are intended directly for cities to 800 million euros, reminding that they initially started with the four largest cities and then with an additional four. This Integrated Territorial Investment mechanism, which is specific and tailored to help these cities directly, does not only include these cities, but also as many as 193 local self-government units that rely on them. As many as 2.6 million people live in this area, or two-thirds of the population of Croatia.

In accordance with its size, each city receives its own envelope with funds important for their development, political priorities, programs and additional investments.

This policy, which the Prime Minister assessed as very good, will enable faster urban development and respond to the challenges of cities, whether it is improving transport infrastructure, housing policy, waste management or a number of other activities that will make these environments more quality for life.

He announced that the Government will soon come out with a new Regional Development Act which, as he said, is appropriate for the next phase of Croatia's development.

In the continuation of the meeting, the Minister of Regional Development and European Union Funds Šime Erlić presented a new development cycle for cities in Croatia within the framework of sustainable urban development, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Property Branko Bačić spoke about affordable housing and the legislative framework for urban development, and the Minister of Science, Education and Youth Radovan Fuchs spoke about investments in education.

The contracts awarded today under the ITU mechanism in the area of five urban agglomerations: Split, Zagreb, Osijek, Sisak and Vinkovci, will enable the construction of around 40 kilometers of new bicycle paths for cleaner traffic and the development of cyclotourism. Sports and recreational centers, new green zones for relaxation and social activities for citizens and tourists, and the development of city centers...

 

ITU mechanism, awarded contracts for projects:

 

City of Split – “Development of the Žnjan Plateau”, total project value is 45.7 million euros, of which EU co-financing is 13.9 million. The purpose of the project is the urban transformation of the Žnjan Plateau, which will contribute to increasing the quality of life of the residents of the city and the Split Urban Agglomeration by increasing the availability of green spaces, communal facilities and various recreational and social facilities.

City of Split – “E – ticketing PHASE II”, total project value is 2.3 million euros, of which EU co-financing is 1.49 million euros. The purpose of the project is to invest in the modernization and upgrade of the existing e-ticketing system implemented in the company Promet d.o.o. Split. The project will contribute to further increasing the quality of service, safety and accessibility of public transport in the Split Urban Agglomeration.

Municipality of Luka – “Biciklistička Luka – section of the Zagorje Highway”, total project value is 429,913 euros, of which EU co-financing is 365,000 euros. The aim of the project is to build two pedestrian and bicycle paths of nearly one kilometer in length and to mark and equip the entire route of the Zagorje D6 bicycle highway that passes through the Municipality of Luka. This path is part of the so-called Zagorje Bicycle Highway, which is one of the most popular in the Zagreb Urban Agglomeration.

 

Municipality of Dubravica – “Sutla Road Bicycle Path”, the total value of the project is 666,239 euros, of which EU co-financing is 566,303 euros. There are no bicycle paths in the municipality that would direct cyclists towards the banks of the Sutla River. The construction of a 2.4 kilometer long bicycle path will contribute to the development of the Zagreb Urban Agglomeration and the safety of cyclists because it will direct cyclists from the busy county road to less dangerous routes along the Sutla River.

 

City of Sisak – “Revitalization of Viktorovac Park – construction and arrangement”, the total value of the project is 4.9 million euros, of which EU co-financing is 4.17 million euros. The aim of the project is to revitalize Viktorovac Park, which would restore its former function as a public green space by arranging spaces for recreation, rest and spending time in the park forest. Thus, the Sisak Urban Agglomeration will gain a new place for social events.

Municipality of Bilje – “Construction of the cycling infrastructure of the Municipality of Bilje”, the total value of the project is 1.32 million euros, of which EU co-financing is 1.02 million euros. As part of the project, a safe, accessible and integrated cycling network of approximately 1.3 kilometers will be created, connecting settlements within the Municipality of Bilje and with Osijek and other places in the urban agglomeration of the same name

City of Vinkovci – “Reconstruction of Vinkovačkih jeseni Square in Vinkovci”, the total value of the project is 1.8 million euros, of which EU co-financing is 1.35 million euros. Investing in the renovation of the square will create a better quality public space, increase aesthetics, and a green park will be built in place of the parking lot, ultimately reducing noise and traffic pollution and improving the quality of life of citizens.

Municipality of Stari Jankovci – "Construction of a bicycle path in the area of the Municipality of Stari Jankovci", the total value of the project is 2.69 million euros, of which 929,060 euros are co-financed by the EU. The aim of the project is to build a bicycle path in the area of the municipality with a length of about 11 kilometers, which will contribute to the strengthening of green, clean, smart and sustainable transport in the area of the Vinkovci Urban Agglomeration.

City of Vinkovci – "Vinkovci Cycling Trails", the total value of the project is 2.3 million euros, of which EU co-financing is 1.92 million euros. The aim of the project is to build a 5.8-kilometer-long cycling trail and supporting infrastructure in the area of the City of Vinkovci in order to contribute to better connectivity with commuter routes, increase the use of alternative forms of transport, reduce CO2 emissions and increase cyclist safety. It will also contribute to the attractiveness of the city of Vinkovci by strengthening cycle tourism, as the future trail is part of the Srijem cycling route.

“Municipality of Privlaka – “Construction of bicycle paths in the area of the Municipality of Privlaka”, the total value of the project is 1.2 million euros, of which EU co-financing is 707,318 euros. The purpose of the project is to promote sustainable transport and ensure better connectivity of bicycle routes in the area of Privlaka and the Vinkovci Urban Agglomeration by building 6.3 km of new bicycle paths.

Municipality of Andrijaševci – “Construction of a bicycle path in the Municipality of Andrijaševci”, the total value of the project is 1.1 million euros, of which EU co-financing is 788,168 euros. The aim of the project is to achieve better connectivity of the existing infrastructure and increase safety, both for its users and other road traffic participants in the Vinkovci Urban Area. 9.13 kilometers of new bicycle paths will be built.

City of Vinkovci – “Green Digital Park Papuk – Sports and Recreation Center with Digital and Educational Content”. The total value of the project is 2.29 million euros, of which EU co-financing is 1.95 million euros. The future sports and recreational infrastructure will be intended for citizens, but also for tourists visiting the Vinkovci area. Considering that this is an investment in infrastructure that contributes to the expansion of the primary tourist offer, it is estimated that visitor spending will increase by 5% annually. The new facilities will enable better organization of social and sports and recreational events, which will contribute to the health and well-being of citizens, reducing healthcare costs and social inclusion.