First Croatian web portal on EU funds launched

The private firm EU Projekti held a press conference in Zagreb on Wednesday to present its web portal EU Projekti Info, the first Croatian and regional portal on European Union funds which brings in one place all the most important information on the financing of projects from EU funds and on all tenders for which those interested from Croatia and the region can apply.

The web portal, the private initiative of the firm EU Projekti and the Institute for Enterprise Development and EU Projects, aims to become the central information point in that field and increase the absorption capacity of beneficiaries from Croatia and the Western Balkans region.

EU Projekti owner Ariana Vela said that Croatia had so far absorbed from EU funds slightly more money than it had paid as a membership fee. She added that contracts signed so far were worth slightly more than 40 per cent of the money available from the IPA pre-accession fund, of which slightly over 20 per cent had been paid out.

With entry into the EU, Croatia will have access to 10-15 times larger amounts than now, or more than a billion euros annually. "It's up to us whether we will turn our backs on it or do more," Vela said.

The portal contains all published or announced tenders from EU funds for Croatia and the region as well as those published by the European Commission, with summaries in Croatian. Those interested can also find tips on how to prepare and implement a project, information about training sessions, a forum for exchange of views, and a blog on current events. Access to the portal is free of charge. (Hina)