Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) The European Commission gave preliminary approval for Croatia’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) plan.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Commission pointed out that Croatia achieved 25 targets to gain access to the funds.
The EU member state submitted its request to the EC on 19 September, calling for disbursement of 700 million euro in grants.
The EC pointed out that Croatia implemented reforms of public administration, education, social policy, judiciary, employment, energy, skills, connectivity and energy efficiency.
The body noted that Croatia submitted comprehensive and detailed evidence showing that it implemented required reforms, stressing that its assessment of provided information is positive.
Croatia’s RRF plan comprises reforms and investments which the EC will support with 5.5 billion euro in grants, with the Commission pointing out that it disbursed 818 million at the end of September last year in the pre-financing phase.
In addition, the EC disbursed 700 million euro at the end of June this year, after Croatia presented evidence that it implemented reforms and achieved goals required to access the funds.
Reforms for recovery funds
The body reminded that EU member states’ access to RRF money is contingent on their implementation of reforms and achievement of goals set out in their respective RRF plans.
The Commission sent its assessment of Croatia’s progress to the Economic and Financial Committee (EFC), which is to give its opinion on the matter in up to four weeks.
After the EFC gives its opinion, the Commission will make the final decision on Croatia’s request in line with EU rules, after which the money can be disbursed.
“I have good news for Croatia,” EC President Ursula von der Leyen noted and added “Croatia has made sufficient progress on its recovery and resilience plan to receive a second payment under NextGenerationEU.”
She stressed that the money will be paid after EU member states approve the move and added “Croatia has taken important steps towards the green and digital transitions, for instance with major investments in public water management, and provided adult education to develop green and digital skills.”
Von der Leyen congratulated Croatia for implementing reforms and investments, and concluded that the EC “will continue to stand with you to ensure your NextGenerationEU plan is a success.”
