EUROPEAN UNION

Committee of the Regions

The Committee of the Regions welcomes Croatian territorial authorities

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Printed in Belgium Table of contents

Foreword by Mercedes Bresso, President of the Committee of the Regions ...... 3 Vesna Pusić, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs

Bringing our experience to Europe ...... 4 Arsen Bauk, Croatian Minister of Public Administration

Strengthening local institutions and promoting citizens’ involvement ...... 5 Vojko Obersnel, President of the Delegation of Croatian observers at the Committee of the Regions

Local and regional authorities: actors of growth ...... 6

1. New Horizons: and the EU ...... 7

The road to EU membership ...... 7

Croatia at a local level ...... 8

Benefiting from EU regional policy...... 9

Supporting Croatia in practice: success stories from the field...... 10

2. A snapshot of the Committee of the Regions -

the EU’s Assembly of Regional and Local Representatives ...... 13

3. Croatia and the Committee of the Regions: consolidating relations ...... 15

Croatian representatives work in the Committee of the Regions ...... 15

Getting to know the Croatian observers in the CoR ...... 17

Useful contacts ...... 20

1 2 Foreword Mercedes Bresso, President of the Committee of the Regions

Croatia will be soon part of the European Union, becoming assembly in Europe to enjoy such enlargement . They will its 28th Member State, and the Committee of the Regions soon become full members and, also for this reason, we are shares this common joy . all looking forward to the 1 July 2013 . I am sure that their active engagement, in Brussels and at home, will make a dif- I in fact have an additional privilege: that of welcoming the ference, both for the Croatian local communities and for our variety of territories coming to enrich our institution . From Committee . the banks of the Danube river to the shores and islands of the , Croatia’s towns, cities and counties are appreci- Croatia does indeed have a huge potential for demonstrat- ated across the world for their history, arts, natural beauty ing how local and regional development can flourish . At this and human talent . very moment, it can combine improved support from Eu- ropean regional policy with an update of its system of local We have come a long way along this road, thanks to passion and regional self-government . If reforms are accomplished, and hard work on the part of both the Croatian and the Eu- empowerment and decentralisation can become a strong ropean institutions . Most importantly, last January Croatia’s engine for the country, as well as an inspiring example for citizens voted for Europe . Reforms have been undertaken in others . all sectors, from the economy to administration, and the pro- cess of change is on-going, with its pains and gains . In this Membership of Croatia in the European Union does in fact context, it is often up to the Župans, or Mayors, to speak with send out a positive signal for the enlargement process as a local communities and to explain the benefits, but also the whole . I am confident that Croatia will fully play a role of po- duties, of joining and working within the European Union, litical advocate for the Western Balkans countries on the path finding solutions and seizing opportunities . to the European Union . In this regard, local and regional au- thorities can provide positive leverage, thanks to their well- This is indeed the role of each member of our Committee . established networks for cooperation in the region . For this reason, I am particularly proud that, already in Feb- ruary 2012, a delegation of nine Croatian observers joined It is my firm belief that working together brings discovery the Committee of the Regions, making it the first political and progress . Let us all make the most of it .

3 Bringing our experience to Europe Vesna Pusić, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs

After the accession treaty was signed in Brussels on whose diversity also forms a counterweight to the uniform- 9 December­ 2011, Croatia’s citizens voted by a decisive ma- ity of the globalisation process, this aim is becoming increas- jority in favour of membership of the European Union in a ingly important . referendum held in January 2012 . Thanks to the ratification Croatia’s regions are especially diverse: with one of the long- process that is making good progress in the Member States, est, most varied Mediterranean coasts, with the Danube area Croatia will thus become the 28th Member State of the Euro- and central European but also Mediterranean cities, it offers a pean Union on 1 July 2013 . Following long and complicated rich diversity of cultural heritage and landscapes . At the same negotiations, which were completed in June last year, Croatia time, this geographical location offers opportunities in en- is thus achieving one of its most important aims since inde- ergy and transport . The naturalness of Croatia’s wildlife and pendence . Precisely because of our experience of war in the not-so-distant past, we particularly value, amongst the many landscape enriches the environment and biodiversity of our advantages of EU membership, the fact that the Union has continent and makes it possible to grow organic food crops . ensured peace and stability for more than half a century in The famously beautiful landscapes of the Croatian coast, a large part of Europe . Similarly, EU membership means that with its more than a thousand islands, makes it a favoured Croatia supports and lives up to the European values – de- holiday destination . Precisely because of the diversity of its mocracy, tolerance, human rights . regions, Croatia can, as a central European and Mediterra- nean country, participate in wider regional partnerships such Over the last two years, and during the accession negotia- as the Danube Strategy, the Adriatic-Ionian initiative and the tions, Croatia has not only carried out reforms and prepara- Union for the Mediterranean . tions for membership, but has also progressed with its own institution-building and established itself as a state . In doing One of the most important factors for the smooth function- so, Croatia has amassed valuable and unique experiences ing of the state is regional and local administration and au- that have benefited not only its neighbours in the region, in tonomy . Because local authorities, being so close to the citi- which the country has a stabilising effect thanks to its great zen, are best placed to understand people’s needs and, on progress, but also the countries of the wider European neigh- the basis of the subsidiarity principle, to come into contact bourhood, in particular those of the southern Mediterranean . with them, it is very important that local and regional author- Thus, for example, at the seventh Croatia summit conference, ities should not only work together with their national gov- which will take place in in July this year, we will be ernments, but should also express their views via their own discussing issues of state-building in the light of the experi- European institution, the Committee of the Regions . ence with European integration . The involvement of the Croatian observer delegation in the We also value the opportunity for Croatian regions and local Committee of the Regions is the continuation of the previous authorities to play an active role in shaping and implement- cooperation of Croatian local and regional authorities with ing EU cohesion policy . The aim of this policy is balanced their European partners . I am convinced that the Croatian development in Europe, where it and its instrument – the observers, who will become full members of the Committee Structural Funds – have been known for their successes for of the Regions next year, will use their experience to make a some time . In today’s globalised world, in which the regions successful contribution to the work of this important EU ad- are increasingly the drivers of international cooperation, but visory body . 4 Strengthening local institutions and promoting citizens’ involvement Arsen Bauk, Croatian Minister of Public Administration

In the space of less than a year, Croatia has completed a num- tinue to be used . ber of steps in connection with European Union accession . As with any reform, we must also be prepared for difficul- Accession negotiations were completed on 30 June 2011, the ties and opposition . We anticipate that there will be differ- EU Accession Treaty was signed on 9 December 2011 and the ing views on the approach to reform and on the breadth of referendum on accession took place on 22 January 2012 . change that is necessary . The fact is that the current system There is clear political consensus that the European Union is of local and regional self-government has been in place for a part of Croatia’s present and future . Accession to the Euro- almost 20 years and that some people are in favour of radical pean Union involves major responsibilities for Croatia and its change, while others wish to leave everything as it is . That people, including further development or reform of impor- must not be treated as a reason to give up on change, but as tant state structures . One of the most important reforms to an incentive to gain the trust and support of the public . the state, society and the economy is the reform of local and regional self-government in connection with the process of We will therefore undertake a broad public consultation with decentralisation, as announced in the programme of the new all interested parties, in order to define three aspects of de- Croatian government . Croatia has repeatedly been identified centralisation: the administrative aspect (territorial reorgani- as one of the European countries with a particularly high level sation), tasks (division of responsibilities for the implementa- of centralisation in the state administration . That level of cen- tion of public works) and the fiscal aspect (sources of funds) . tralisation is too great, and will no longer be tolerable in the As part of that, we will also define the model for the new re- future, because it leads to long-term imbalances in the devel- gional structure, which must meet three basic requirements: opment of different parts of the country and weakens the eco- economic efficiency, local democracy and identity . We see nomic strength of the country as a whole . Today, therefore, in economic efficiency as involving the creation of regional and the run-up to Croatia becoming a member of the EU, reform local administrative units with sufficient financial, human, of local and regional self-government is a task that must be administrative and other resources to ensure the provision of tackled without delay . high-quality public services to the public under acceptable This government is aware that, leaving aside the currently pre- conditions . The local democracy criterion involves the crea- vailing circumstances, there is a clear tendency for the differ- tion of an administrative structure that ensures closeness ences to grow, to the detriment of the less well developed and to the citizen and cooperation between policy makers and underdeveloped Croatian regions; and that regional and local the public, allowing the latter to take an active part in the development objectives barely exist in the current implemen- democratic decision-making process . The third requirement tation plans . It is therefore determined to achieve comprehen- - identity - relates to the creation of an administrative struc- sive change, so as to strengthen local institutions rather than ture in which regional and local administrative units embody those of the central state in the future . the geographical, cultural and historical elements that create a common identity for the people who live in those places . We are guided in this reform by the principle of subsidiarity, which assigns tasks to the higher, central level only if efficient The goal of this reform is ultimately to satisfy the needs of delivery or implementation of public services or works cannot inhabitants, in accordance with their wishes and needs for be achieved at a lower level . Of course, solutions and models public goods and services, and to promote local and regional that have proved their worth in current practice will also con- development from the point of view of an EU Member State . 5 Local and regional authorities: actors of growth Vojko Obersnel, President of the Delegation of Croatian observers at the CoR, Mayor of the City of

The signing of the EU Accession Treaty of the Republic of importance that the Committee has to local and regional Croatia is a great success for us all . The European Union plays authorities in Europe . The CoR deals with policies that are an indispensable role in transforming Croatian society for the being implemented at local and regional level and that have better, and Croatia has developed to such an extent that it an enormous impact on people . The CoR’s role is impor- can take its place among the countries of a united Europe . tant, since its members advocate on behalf of the common Croatia is joining a Europe that invented democracy, civil so- interest of all Europeans and, through dialogue, they try to ciety, human rights, enlightenment, individualism and the achieve the best solutions for their local and regional com- social state – all major social, economic and cultural achieve- munities . By being involved in CoR activities, representatives ments . of local and regional authorities from across the European Union have the opportunity to help draft European policies Local and regional authorities provide the best proof of how from their earliest stages, and can therefore shape policies to many similarities there are between Croatia and EU coun- respond appropriately to the needs of European Union citi- tries, and between Croatian citizens and citizens of other zens . European countries . As representatives of local and regional authorities, we share a desire for our national governments I am very pleased that we come as observers to the Commit- to acknowledge us as partners without whom it would be tee of the Regions at a time when its role has been strength- difficult to achieve long-term goals and development . We ened by the Treaty of Lisbon . It is without a doubt proof of represent the level of authority that is closest to the people, how ready the European institutions are to involve local and and that has direct experience of their needs and problems; it regional authorities all over Europe and their representatives is us who feel and perceive their satisfaction and dissatisfac- in Brussels in all European processes as equal partners . tion . It is our task to provide opportunities for a pleasant life During the coming year, a Croatian delegation of observers for our citizens through education, sports, culture, social wel- will have the opportunity to learn in detail about the work fare, health, environmental protection and many other fields, of the Committee of the Regions and to cooperate more depending on our areas of responsibility . In this, there is no with representatives of local and regional government in difference between the citizens of Europe, no matter where the European Union . We will try to prepare for the coming they live or what language they speak, or their local or re- full membership of the European Union . I am sure that many gional authority . Croatian cities, municipalities and counties can already be As the President of the Association of Cities, I have been in- compared to local and regional authorities in the European volved in cooperation between Croatia and the Committee Union and that we will successfully share our knowledge and of the Regions since its beginnings and I am aware of the experiences with our European colleagues .

6 1. New Horizons: Croatia and the EU

The road to EU membership Situated at the crossroads between the Mediterranean and By welcoming more than 10 million foreign tourists a year, Central Europe, an old European nation and a young state, Croatia has regained its place among the top tourist destina- Croatia regained its independence in 1991 after the break-up tions in Europe. of . In contrast to the peaceful processes of demo- In February 2003 Croatia applied for EU membership and was cratic transition which took place elsewhere in Central Eu- granted candidate status in June 2004. Accession negotia- rope, Croatia unfortunately had to face war and occupation of a quarter of its territory until 1995, when most of it was lib- tions started in October 2005 and were completed in June erated. Since then, Croatia has been doing its utmost to heal 2011. These six years of negotiations have been marked by the wounds of no less than five that period (over successive EU 13,000 killed, crises — an in- half a million of stitutional crisis refugees and in 2005 with the 37 billion dollar rejection of the worth of dam- Constitutional age), undertak- Treaty, followed ing huge efforts by a financial of reconstruc- crisis in 2007, an tion and manag- economic crisis ing an ambitious that began in refugee return 2008, the euro programme. area crisis and fi- nally the Schen- At the same gen area crisis. time, Croatia has been running its Croatia’s success necessary dem- is all the greater ocratic trans- considering that formation and the member- the economic ship criteria have transition from become much planned to mar- more stringent ket economy. In in the meantime addition, Croa- as a result of the tia had to build lessons learned most of its insti- from previous tutions, allowing enlargements. it to function as The EU Acces- a new and inde- sion Treaty was pendent state. signed on 9 De- From 2000, these reforms accelerated. Economically, Croa- cember 2011. By a two-third majority Croatian citizens ap- tia’s GDP has almost doubled in the past decade and the GDP proved the accession at the referendum on 22 January 2012, per capita is today 61% of the EU average, surpassing several which was followed by the ratification of the Accession Treaty new member states. In parallel, Croatia constructed 900 km in the . Once the Treaty is ratified in all of brand new motorways. Thus its modernized road infra- EU member states’ parliaments, Croatia is to become the 28th structure now connects both its EU and non-EU neighbours. member state of the European Union on 1 July 2013.

7 Croatia at a local level Citizens’ rights to local and regional self-government are en- tion, consumer protection, fire brigades and civil protection . shrined in the Croatian constitution . Specifically, these include Cities and county towns are also responsible for building rights to manage local issues, decide on the internal organisa- roads, issuing site permits, construction permits and other tion and structure of local bodies and define their tasks au- documents in the field of construction and spatial planning, tonomously, indirectly elect the members of local legislative as well as other tasks as provided for by legislation . and executive bodies, levy revenue and to make unrestricted use of such revenue . At county level, competences include education, health, eco- nomic development, transport and transport infrastructure, Croatia is made up of 21 regional authorities, including 20 road maintenance, as well as spatial and urban planning . counties and the city of , which as the country’s capital and largest settlement has both city and county status . Each Local and regional authorities are financed from their own county (except for Zagreb) has a county town and consists of revenues (property income, taxation, finds, administrative towns and municipalities . Altogether there are 127 cities (in- fees, etc), shared revenue, subsidies, interest on financial as- cluding Zagreb) and 429 municipalities . Zagreb is the largest sets and loans . city with around 800 000 inhabitants, while the smallest mu- At local and regional level the 22 ethnic minorities recognised nicipality is Civljane with just 240 . Other large cities are Split, in the preamble of the Croatian constitution and constituting Rijeka, (100 000-200 000 inhabitants) together with Za- some 7% of the total population, enjoy political and other mi- dar, , , and . nority rights . They also have the right to adequate represen- Cities with over 35 000 inhabitants are in a separate category tation in legislative and executive bodies and to use minority from the remaining towns . languages . Each municipality, city or county has a legislative body (mu- Three national associations of Croatian cities, municipalities nicipal council, city council or county council) and an execu- and regions represent the interests of Croatian local and re- tive (mayor, governor) . Members of legislative and executive gional authorities . The chairs of the Croatian associations of bodies are elected for a four-year term of office . cities, municipalities and counties are Vojko Obersnel, mayor The competences of municipalities and cities include the fol- of the City of Rijeka, Đuro Bukvić, mayor of the Municipality lowing: housing, urban and spatial planning, municipal ser- of Lukač, and Božo Galić, governor of -Srijem County vices, child care, social services, primary health care, educa- respectively .

8 Benefiting from EU regional policy The European Union’s cohesion (regional) policy aims at re- central institution for preparation of EU programmes, moni- ducing differences in the levels of economic, societal and so- toring of their implementation and evaluation in the period cial development in different Member States and regions, as during and after accession; it has also taken over the respon- well as boosting the EU’s competitiveness on world markets . sibilities of the former Central State Office for Development More than one third of the EU’s total budget for 2007-2013 Strategy and Coordination of EU Funds . Information on pro- (EUR 347 bn .) is dedicated to cohesion policy . The instru- gramming can be found on the Internet at www .mrrfeu .hr . ments of this policy are Information on the im- the so-called Structural plementation of the Funds (the European IPA pre-accession as- Regional Development sistance programme Fund and the European (public contracts and Social Fund) and the Co- invitations to tender) hesion Fund . The main can be found on the In- goals of cohesion policy ternet site of the Cen- during this period are: tral Finance and Con- • Convergence (support- tracting Agency (SAFU) ing growth and em- at www .safu .hr . SAFU ployment in the least is an executive agency developed regions that is responsible for with GDP per head be- all financial manage- low 75% of the EU aver- ment, tender proce- age), dures, contract awards, disbursements, ac- • Regional Competitive- counting and report- ness and Employment ing on the financing of (aimed at all regions all public contracts in that do not satisfy the the decentralised sys- criteria of the conver- tem for implementa- gence goal), tion of EU-funded pro- • European territorial grammes in Croatia . cooperation (cross- On the basis of the cur- border, trans-national rent EU rules, all three and inter-regional co- of Croatia’s statistical operation – this covers Promoted by the European Union, “Macroregional strategies” represent an regions (Northwest all regions) . innovative mode of territorial cooperation of different local stakeholders, regions and states with balanced and sustainable development as shared goal. Croatia Croatia, Central and In the context of the ac- actively cooperate in the Danubian area and, since 2010, Croatia is also a key actor Eastern (Pannonian) cession negotiations on of the Adriatic-Ionian Macroregion, with the active support of the EU Committee Croatia and Adriatic the chapter on regional of the Regions Croatia), which under policy and coordination Eurostat’s classifica- of structural instruments, Croatia has taken steps to create tion are categorised as NUTS 2 regions, would have access to the conditions for use of the structural instruments, includ- funds under the convergence goal upon accession . ing preparation of strategic documents, preparation of pro- From accession, Croatia will also be able to benefit from the jects, adequate administrative capacity and positive out- resources of the Cohesion Fund . comes from the implementation of pre-accession assistance programmes . All of the smaller territories along Croatia’s land and sea borders that fulfil the criteria of the third statistical level Croatia has implemented projects under the PHARE, ISPA (NUTS 3) can participate in cross-border cooperation pro- and SAPARD pre-accession assistance programmes, as well grammes and projects under the European territorial coop- as under the IPA programme . Implementation under IPA is eration goal . All of Croatia’s NUTS 2-level statistical regions continuing . will come within general or specific groups of regions for From Croatia’s accession to the EU, projects whose implemen- the purposes of trans-national cooperation, while inter-re- tation has begun under pre-accession assistance (the region- gional cooperation can take place across the whole territory al development and human resources development compo- of Croatia . nents of IPA) will be treated as projects under the structural From 2014, the funds available for Croatia – as for the other funds and the Cohesion Fund . Croatia has confirmed that, in Member States – will be set according to the multi-annual fi- accordance with the rules in force until the end of the 2007- nancial framework for 2014-2020 . Discussions and negotia- 2013 financial period, projects will be implemented accord- tions are currently taking place within the European Union ing to the N+3 rule . This means that, for example, funds that on the structure, total size, amount for each budget title and are allocated in 2013 must be used up by the end of 2016 . sources of funding for the financial framework, as well as on The Ministry for Regional Development and EU Funds is the the methods of accounting for the budgetary resources . 9 Supporting Croatia in practice: success stories from the field An example of a successful European project in Croatia in in this county . In relation to cross-border cooperation, one the field of transport is the reconstruction of the – can point to the PHARE 2006 WINE-DEV project for cross- -Croatian Border railway line in the far east of the border cooperation between Croatia and Italy, the ben- country, one of the largest projects in Croatia to be financed eficiary of which is the municipality of Lovas in the Croatian by pre-accession funds and the first railway network invest- Danube basin . The project aims to contribute to broad, sus- ment project to be co-financed . In the field of environmental tainable development of wine producers in Vukovar-Srijem protection, the Bikarac regional waste management centre County through the exchange of innovative processes . in Šibenik-Knin County on the Adriatic coast will introduce a modern, environmentally sound waste management system, In the following pages you can find a more detailed descrip- compliant with Croatian legislation and European standards, tion of other important projects .

Marišćina regional waste management Remedisanus centre -Zagorje County City of Rijeka Total value: EUR 1 1. million Total value: EUR 49 .3 million EU co-financing: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance EU co-financing: EUR 22 .3 million from the Instrument for (IPA), cross-border cooperation /Croatia Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Partners: Zagorje Development Agency; City of Zaprešić; Promoter: Ekoplus d .o .o . Brežice Municipality; Sevnica Municipality; Slovenian Insti- Partners: Ministry of Environmental and Nature Protection; tute for the Environment and Spatial Planning Energy Efficiency and Environmental Protection Fund; Pri- The main aim of project Remedisanus is to protect the en- morje-Gorski kotar County; City of Rijeka vironment and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of The Marišćina regional waste management centre is the this border region, and to contribute to general environmen- cornerstone of the entire waste management system in this tal protection in the region by changing habits that are det- county; it houses the equipment for the mechanical biologi- rimental to the environment . The focus of the programme is cal treatment of unsorted household waste . In overall terms, on analysing and disposing of illegally dumped refuse, creat- the waste management system is based on directly reduc- ing educational films and informing the public, and building ing the volume of waste at source, with valuable materials interactive platforms and rubbish collection sites . either reclaimed and reprocessed or used as fuel for energy, and on permanent disposal in strict compliance with leg- Mura–Drava.Bike – cycling trails along the islation . The aim of the project is to reduce waste as much Mura and Drava rivers as possible while also ensuring complete protection of soil, Varaždin County and Međimurje County groundwater and air in compliance with strict environmen- tal protection standards, and to raise the quality of life in Total value: EUR 1 8. million the county . EU co-financing: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), cross-border cooperation Slovenia/Croatia Partners: ten Slovenian and Croatian border regions along the Mura and Drava rivers: the Slovenian regions Pomurska and Podravska (areas along the Mura and the Drava), and the Croatian counties Varaždin and Međimurje (areas around the city Varaždin and along the middle reaches of the Mura) The aim of the project is to create an attractive cross-border tourist destination and spark economic growth by strength- ening the service sector on both sides of the border . As well as setting up safe and attractive cycling trails, the project aims to create a support structure and to link the routes to hotels in the area and to natural and cultural attractions . The Mura–Drava .Bike project will also enable extension of the Mura and Drava cycling trails and ultimately their recognition as European cycle touring routes . www .mura-drava eu.

10 Integration into working life through Nature for the Future development of artistic skills Dubrovnik-Neretva County City of Kutina Total value: EUR 404 700 EU co-financing: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), cross-border programme for Croatia – Montenegro Promoter: DUNEA d .o .o . – Regional Development Agency of Dubrovnik-Neretva County Partners: Dubrovnik-Neretva County public institute for the administration of protected natural heritage (Croatia) and the public institute for national parks (Montenegro) The aim of the project is to improve tourist attractions in the border region between Croatia and Montenegro by improv- ing access to protected natural areas and presenting them as a single tourist attraction of the region . Project activities include biomonitoring of cave and grotto complexes; the creation of a reserve for amphibians and reptiles along the Dubrovnik coast; development of facilities in the Šipun grot- to (Konavli) and at the observation point overlooking the Total value: EUR 102 500 Lastovo archipelago as well as their maintenance; creation of an observation point in the Lovčen and Skadar Lake national EU co-financing: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance parks; surveying of 12 cave complexes, two of which have (IPA), development of human resources been identified in Skadar Lake National Park; planning of na- Promoter: Croatian Employment Service – Kutina area office ture trails focusing on biological diversity in the Baćina lakes district; and final work on the nature trails in Montenegro’s Partners: OSI Disabled Persons Association in Kutina, Open national parks . University of Kutina, City of Kutina, Moslavina Museum in Ku- tina Eco Ethno Centre Adica Unemployed disabled people from Kutina were the target City of Vukovar group of this one-year programme . The project was intended Total value: EUR 781 800 to improve the employment prospects of disabled people – EU funds: EUR 585 400 and counter their marginalisation in -Moslavina County . – City of Vukovar: EUR 196 400 The project should help people with disabilities in Sisak-Mo- slavina County to acquire new knowledge and skills related EU co-financing: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance to social entrepreneurship through tailored training pro- (IPA), cross-border programme for Croatia-Montenegro grammes and measures . Promoter: City of Vukovar Improved opportunities in the labour Partners: Eco-cultural Alliance Vukovar; Tourism Board of Vu- market for unemployed young people – kovar; Vukovar Craftmen’s Association ŠANSA The overall objective of the project is to contribute to the Dubrovnik-Neretva County sustainable socio-economic development of Vukovar-Srijem County by improving and expanding local tourist attractions Total value: EUR 108 300 in Vukovar . Tourist facilities and services, such as restaurants EU co-financing: Youth in the labour market – and wine cellars, and spaces for holding workshops and EuropeAid/129227/M/ACT/HR carrying out traditional trades are to be developed and im- proved . Promoter: DUNEA d .o .o . – Regional Development Agency of Dubrovnik-Neretva County Partner: Dubrovnik centre for entrepreneurs The project’s target group is young, long-term unemployed and young people without any professional experience aged 20-29 . As part of this project, potential young entrepreneurs will be given basic information and skills related to entre- preneurship through a special entrepreneurship training programme; a two-day guided visit to selected companies in a sector of interest to the participant in order to promote work experience; a series of support measures to encourage young people’s entrepreneurial spirit; and ongoing support and guidance for unemployed young people via an innova- tive online platform .

11 Industrial Park / BISC Nova Gradiška Completion of the Faust Vrančić Centre City of Nova Gradiška (Fausto Veranzio memorial) Total value: EUR 1 .15 million Island of Prvić – EU funds: EUR 803 100 Total value: EUR 1 .3 million Promoter: City of Nova Gradiška – EU funds: EUR 960 000 – City of Vodice and Partner: Partners: Industrial Park IPNG d .o .o . Nova Gradiška; Slavonski EUR 346 500 Brod Mechanical Facility, J . J . Strossmayer Uni- versity in Osijek; AREA Science Park consortium for research Promoter: City of Vodice and technology in (Italy); Nova Gradiška school of Partner: City of Vodice Tourism Board trade and industry; Nova Gradiška school of electrical en- gineering; Brod-Posavina County; the Croatian Chamber of So far the City of Vodice has invested around EUR 450 000 Commerce; Chamber of Slavonski Brod County; Brod-Posavi- and completed most of the basic construction work . The goal na County Chamber of Crafts; IAL FV regional development is to complete and open this unique memorial to the famous agency (Italy) Croatian polymath, linguist, inventor (of e .g . the ) and engineer, Faust Vrančić (Fausto Veranzio), who The focus of this project is on boosting the competitiveness lived on the Island of Prvić and who was buried there in the of Brod-Posavina County, one of the most poorly developed Prvić Luka church . The project is intended to promote tour- regions in Croatia; the emphasis will be on knowledge trans- ism on the Island of Prvić and in the city Vodice, and expand fer, new technologies and boosting capacity to produce in- facilities and services for cultural tourism . dustrial services . The park is to be a centre for solving com- mercial problems faced by SMEs and other companies, and for training artisans, workers, students and teachers .

Regional centre for economic and industrial development Lovas Municipality Total value: EUR 543 200 – EU funds: EUR 407 400 – Lovas Municipality and Partners: EUR 135 800 Promoter: Lovas Municipality Partners: Vukovar-Srijem County; Tompojevci Municipality; TNTL Office for International Cooperation; TNTL association of wine growers and traders; association of irrigation system users in Opatovac The main objective of this project is to strengthen SMEs in Lovas Municipality by providing support for entrepreneurs in setting up a business, for existing small businesses and for innovative industrial activities . As part of the project, a build- ing to house the regional industrial centre will be built in the business area of Lovas, accommodating six offices for busi- nesses and a conference room .

12 2. A snapshot of the Committee of the Regions: the EU’s Assembly of Regional and Local Representatives

Why a Committee of the Regions? pean networks, health, education and culture . The Treaty of Amsterdam (1997) added a further five areas: employment The three main decision-making institutions in the European policy, social policy, the environment, vocational training and Union (EU) are the European Parliament, which represents transport . Following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty the EU’s citizens and is directly elected by them, the Coun- (2009), the CoR has acquired new powers, both in the area of cil of the European Union, which represents the individual territorial cohesion and in terms of monitoring the subsidi- Member States, and the European Commission, which up- arity principle . The CoR now has a greater consultative role holds the interests of the Union as a whole . to play, and also new leverage for implementing multilevel However, local and regional authorities are responsible for governance . The European Parliament, the Commission and implementing the vast majority of the decisions taken at Eu- the Council must now consult the CoR when making laws in ropean level — around two-thirds of EU legislation is put into any area with a regional impact . And the Committee’s opin- practice at sub-national level . ions now cover several new policy areas, including energy and climate change . That is why the Committee of the Regions (CoR) was set up in 1994, to give local and regional authorities the opportunity However, all three institutions may also consult the CoR out- to express a view on the substance of EU legislative proposals side these areas if they see local or regional implications in at the drafting stage in order to adapt them more closely to their work . The CoR can also put its priorities onto the EU’s citizens’ needs . agenda by issuing own-initiative opinions and drafting re- ports on subjects of interest to it . But the CoR’s involvement The European treaties stipulate that the CoR must be con- does not stop once it has issued its opinion on a Commission sulted whenever proposals are made in areas likely to have proposal . The CoR also has the right to question the Commis- repercussions at local or regional level . In practice, this means sion, Parliament and Council if they fail to take on board its that the CoR is consulted on most European legislation . viewpoint . In extreme cases, the CoR also has the right to go The Maastricht Treaty (1992) laid down five areas for manda- to the European Court of Justice if it believes it has not been tory consultation: economic and social cohesion, trans-Euro- correctly consulted .

13 How does the Committee of the Regions work? the European Alliance (EA) . The CoR is made up of 344 members, 353 starting from the The work of the Committee, a truly political assembly, is 1st January 2013, following the accession of Croatia to the EU, based on three fundamental principles: and the same number of alternates . These members are ap- − The subsidiarity principle: this principle requires that deci- pointed by the Member States for a renewable five year term . sions be taken at the level of government that best serves They must hold elected office or be politically accountable to the public interest . The EU must not pursue initiatives that an elected assembly . would be better carried out by national, regional or local au- For this reason, members who cease to hold such office au- thorities . tomatically lose their seat on the CoR . Each country chooses − The proximity principle: all levels of government must its members in its own way, with the proviso that members work as transparently as possible and as closely as possible must reflect a political and geographical balance and be with the public so that citizens know who is responsible for taken from both regional and local levels . The CoR members what and how they can make their views known . elect their own president – currently Ms Mercedes Bresso − The partnership principle: European, national, regional from the Piedmont Region in Italy . and local authorities must work together throughout the The CoR’s work is split between six specialised commissions: decision-making process . − Territorial Cohesion policy (COTER) − Economic and Social policy (ECOS) Bringing the European Union closer to its − Environment, Climate change and Energy (ENVE) citizens − Culture, Education and Research (EDUC) While much of the CoR’s work lies in its involvement in the − Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs legislative process, its role does not stop there . The CoR (CIVEX) members live and work on a day-to-day basis in their regions − Natural Resources (NAT) and cities as regional presidents, mayors or local councillors . This enables them to stay in touch with the concerns of the The commissions, which are made up of CoR members, draw people they represent, which puts them in a position to bring up draft opinions on EU legislative proposals . The draft is then these views to the heart of the European system when they voted on during one of the five CoR plenary sessions that take come to Brussels for CoR meetings . place each year . It is only adopted if it receives a majority of In addition, the CoR regularly raises the profile of local and votes cast . regional authorities on the European stage by organising conferences, seminars and exhibitions all year round in co- Four political groups are represented at the CoR: the Europe- operation with its regional and local partners, including the an People’s Party (EPP), the Party of European Socialists (PES), “OPEN DAYS – European Week of Regions and Cities”, which the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) and brings together more than 6,000 stakeholders each October .

14 3. Croatia and the Committee of the Regions: consolidating relations

Croatian representatives work in the Committee of the Regions The local and regional authorities of Croatia have been work- experiences . Discussions centred on the responsibilities ing with the Committee of the Regions in various institution- and financing of local and regional authorities in EU Mem- al settings since 2006, when the first meeting of the Working ber States and Croatia; macro-regions and their role in the Party on Croatia took place . Over the following three years development of towns, cities and regions; the role of local the Working Party on Croatia held six meetings, with Luc Van authorities in developing sustainable tourism; cooperation den Brande, former CoR president and now CIVEX Commis- between national and local and regional authorities in a time sion president, present at the meeting in Zagreb in 2007 . The of economic crisis; and EU-financed projects in towns, cit- meeting in Zagreb was organised by the Croatian association ies and regions . The meetings also addressed progress and of towns and cities and the Croatian association of counties . achievements in the accession negotiations between Croatia and the EU . This cooperation allowed local and regional au- At one of the most recent meetings, Vojko Obersnel, chair of thorities in Croatia to get a better idea of what the CoR does, the Croatian association of towns and cities, presented the which sparked their interest in getting more closely involved proposal of Croatian local and regional associations to set in the work of the Committee . Seven members of the current up an EU-Croatia Joint Consultative Committee . The Croa- delegation of Croatian observers to the CoR were already in- tian government supported this initiative, which allowed volved in the work of the Joint Consultative Committee . the inaugural meeting to be held in Dubrovnik in June 2010 . Eleven representatives of Croatian towns, cities and counties In April 2011, Mercedes Bresso, president of the CoR, also and eleven members of the ­Committee of the Regions were travelled to Croatia . There she met representatives of local represented in the Joint Consultative Committee, which was and regional authorities in Zagreb and discussed the future co-chaired by Linda Gillham, member of the Runnymede delegation of observers to the CoR; cooperation between Borough Council, and Nikola Dobroslavić, president of the Croatia and the CoR; the importance of decentralisation; and County of Dubrovnik-Neretva . expanding the administrative capacity of towns, cities and counties . She also visited Vukovar, where she took part in a Four meetings took place within two years – two each in meeting of the Vukovar Danube Conference . Brussels and Croatia (Dubrovnik and Vukovar) – during which the Croatian local and regional representatives and the EU Right from the beginning, representatives of local and re- discussed several topics of mutual interest and shared their gional authorities in Croatia took part in meetings of the Eu-

Croatian representatives with Mercedes Bresso, President of the Committee of the Regions, Linda Gilham (EA/UK) and Nikola Dobroslavić, co-chairs of the EU-Croatia Joint Consultative Committee.

15 ro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM), capacity hosted the committee’s third meeting, which took whose main task is to give a local and regional dimension to place in Poreč in July 2011 . Euro-Mediterranean cooperation . The inaugural meeting of Croatia’s towns and cities, and the Croatian association of ARLEM was held in Barcelona in January 2010 . Croatia­ is rep- towns and cities as the body that represents them, are sig- resented in the assembly by Ivan Jakovčić, president of natories to the Covenant of Mayors, a European Commission and member of ARLEM’s steering committee, and by Danijel initiative supported by the Committee of the Regions since Katičin, mayor of Tkon . The primary objectives of ARLEM are it was established in 2008 . Signatory towns and cities com- to involve local and regional authorities in the development mit to the Covenant’s climate policy, to promoting renew- of the Mediterranean region; improve cooperation across po- able energy sources, and to cutting CO2 emissions by 20 per litical and institutional barriers; and implement projects that cent through greater energy efficiency and the use of new make a practical difference on the ground . It is made up of 84 forms of energy . So far, 3,773 local authorities in 27 EU Mem- members from the EU and 16 Mediterranean countries, and ber States and 19 third countries have joined the initiative . its steering committee has eight members . Two committees Thirty-eight Croatian towns and cities have also signed – first – the committee for territorial, economic and social affairs, among them Zagreb and Rijeka . and the committee for sustainable development – formulate In addition, Croatian counties, towns and cities, by way of ARLEM’s positions on policy . The Croatian ARLEM member their representation in Brussels, are involved in the European Ivan Jakovčić is currently also the acting chair of the com- Week of Regions and Cities – OPEN DAYS – organised every mittee for territorial, economic and social affairs, and in this year by the Committee of the Regions since 2005 .

Croatian representatives with Mercedes Bresso, President of the Committee of the Regions, and José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, at the CoR’s plenary session in Brussels, May 2012.

16 Getting to know the Croatian observers in the CoR

Croatian representatives with the CIVEX Commission President, Luc Van den Brande.

The delegation of Croatian observers to the Committee of of the Regions commissions . The CIVEX commission held its the Regions comprises nine representatives of Croatian lo- external meeting on 22 June 2012 in Dubrovnik on invita- cal and regional authorities, directly elected in the recent tion of the Vice-Chair of the Croatian delegation and former­ 2009 municipal elections: co-chair of the JCC, Mr Nikola Dobroslavić . In addition,­ del- − four of these represent regional authorities (at county egation members are involved in the work of the various level); and political groups of the Committee:­ at the invitation of Vojko − five represent local authorities (three of them from cities Obersnel, Mayor of Rijeka and Head of the Delegation of and two from rural areas) . Croatian observers in the Committee of the Regions, the PES Group will hold an extraordinary meeting on 31 August Members of the delegation were nominated by national as- 2012 in Rijeka on the theme of sustainable growth through sociations of local and regional authorities­ and appointed industrial renewal; at the invitation of Ivan Jakovčić, Presi- by the Ministry of Public Administration, which is respon- dent of the Istria County and observer in the Committee of sible for local and regional self-government in Croatia . The the Regions, a meeting of the ALDE Group will take place ­delegation participates in plenary sessions meetings, and in Poreç on 19 October 2012 focussing on proposals for job from 1 July 2012 it will also participate in all six Committee creation .

17 Vojko Obersnel Mayor of the City of Rijeka — PES Chairman of the Delegation As members of local and regional authorities we are best placed to understand the needs of local residents as we are the level of government closest to them . In the fields of education, sport, culture, social policy, health and environmental protection we are responsible for ensuring that they have op- portunities and decent living standards . The Committee of the Regions has an important role to play, as its members are able to use their influence to ensure that EU policies are viable and reflect the needs of European citizens .

Nikola Dobroslavić Prefect of Dubrovnik-Neretva County — EPP ­Vice-Chairman of the Delegation Dubrovnik-Neretva County is the southernmost region of Croatia and a popular holiday destination, with the historical city of Dubrovnik as its main urban centre and tourist attraction . The region also has significant agricultural activity along the Neretva River, the major port of Ploče, highly developed ma- rine aquaculture and high-quality wines . Three universities and an American college are represented in our region, reflecting our aspirations as a region of knowledge and high-quality education . For us regional development is an important part of the County’s responsibilities . It is an honour and a privilege to cooperate with other regions, exchange knowledge and experience with them, and par- ticipate in the work of the Committee of the Regions . We see this as an opportunity to acquire exper- tise, to exchange experiences and to participate in the framing not only of regional and local policies, but also of European policies .

Siniša Hajdaš Dončić Prefect of Krapina-Zagorje County — PES For Krapina-Zagorje County, cohesion policy offers real added value, and its objectives reflect the issues associated with European integration . I hope that the future will bring instruments and pro- cesses offering effective support for specific conditions in each region, especially those facing social and economic problems . Expectations are varied, with subsidiarity and solidarity as priorities reflected in common territorial cooperation objectives underpinning the European integration process . At the same time, the regions need to build up their own capacities in order to ensure development . Deci- sion makers should ensure regional integration in line with the administrative and financial capacity of new regions .

Predrag Štromar Prefect of Varaždin County — ALDE Varaždin County has set itself the goal of becoming a centre of competitiveness, able to ensure higher living standards and high-quality employment for its citizens through investments in education and business as drivers of development . In 2010 we were the most competitive county, and we would now like to become the county with the highest levels of education in the entire region . If we can unite with the Committee of the Regions on the basis of our shared interests and the sub- sidiarity principle, we will be able to strengthen local and regional governance . I feel it is the duty and responsibility of regional authorities to define the development priorities of the municipalities com- prising them in consultation with citizens and all stakeholders in strategic planning, while represent- ing the interests of their regions in an institutional context at national and European level .

Ivan Jakovčić Prefect of Istria County — ALDE Not only does the European Union bring countries together, it is also unites regions, as well as the local and regional authorities represented in the Committee of the Regions . As a result, the delegation of Croatian observers representing local and regional authorities in the Committee of the Regions has a very important role to play, as local and regional authorities are the governance levels which are clos- est to European citizens . In view of the subsidiarity principle, these levels play a crucial role in decision making and defining strategies . There is increasing recognition of this fact, not only in the European Union but also in Croatia .

18 Jelena Pavičić Vukičević Deputy Mayor of the City of Zagreb — PES As capital, Zagreb attaches great importance to partnership with the surrounding areas and other Croatian regions and cities . Zagreb is known as a city not only of knowledge and enterprise, but also tradition and culture; at the same time, it offers safe living conditions and great recreational potential . We are aware of the value of our natural resources, our environment, our agriculture and biodiversity, and of the need to protect them .

Davor Žmegač Mayor of the City of Kutina (Sisak-Moslavina County) — ALDE The new regional policy offers Croatia significant development potential, and it is a key instrument in achieving even levels of development throughout the country . A stronger role for cities and regions, together with budgetary and administrative devolution, offer an opportunity that Croatia must take; this is of great importance in the context of accession to the EU . For all these reasons involvement in the Committee of the Regions offers Croatia an opportunity to contribute to growing together, exchanging experiences, and developing modern, efficient and tolerant communities of European citizens .

Đuro Bukvić Mayor of the Municipality of Lukač (-Podravina County) — EPP Around one-third of Croatia’s population live in rural areas . Just like other Europeans they expect their local authorities to ensure appropriate living and working conditions, manage municipal infra- structure, roads and public areas, and ensure preschool facilities . I therefore feel it is important to be involved in the Committee of the Regions, which not only represents local and regional authori- ties, but also acts as a forum for the exchange of best practices between European local councillors .

Ivana Posavec Krivec Mayor of the Municipality of Križ () — PES I firmly believe that Croatia’s future is in Europe . Despite occasional criticisms of the European Union and the current crisis, the reality and experience of the Member State show that EU membership offers good prospects and a future . The European Union can help small municipalities, whether separately or in associations, to implement development plans . The European Union and its funds represent an opportunity for us to ensure a better future for our children .

19 Useful contacts

The Committee of the Brussels Offices of Local and Regional Regions and the Croatian Croatian Cities and Regions Government Associations Delegation Croatian Regions Office Association of the Cities of Croatia Committee of the Regions 84 Avenue de Tervueren Medveščak 17 Bâtiment Jacques Delors B-1040 Bruxelles 10 000 Zagreb Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 99-101 Tel/fax: +32 2 736 8587 Croatia B-1040 Bruxelles/Brussel E-mail: Tel: +385 1 6313 323 Tel: +32 (0)22822211 iris .jakupic@croatianregions .eu Fax: +385 1 4668 003 E-mail: info@udruga-gradova hr. Fax: +32 (0)22822325 www .croatianregions .eu www .cor .europa .eu www .udruga-gradova .hr Representation office of the Association of the Municipalities of Coordinators of the Croatian Dubrovnik–Neretva County Croatia Delegation of Observers to the 47 Rue de Toulouse Hrgovići 59 Committee of the Regions B-1000 Bruxelles 10 000 Zagreb T: +32 2 280 28 22 Ms Sofija Babić Croatia Coordinator F: +32 2 230 13 40 Tel: +385 1 3689 151 Association of Cities in Croatia E-mail: Fax: +385 1 3637 116 Medveščak 17 katarina@dubrovnik-neretva .eu E-mail: info@udruga-opcina .hr 10 000 Zagreb www .dubrovnik-neretva eu. www .udruga-opcina .hr Croatia Representation office of the Region Tel: +385 1 6313 325 Croatian Counties Association of Istria Fax: +385 1 4668 003 Ulica grada Vukovara 271 49 Rue du Commerce E-mail: sofija@udruga-gradova .hr 10 000 Zagreb B-1000 Bruxelles www .udruga-gradova .hr Tel: +385 1 6110 361 Tel: +32 2 502 55 91 Fax: +385 1 604 767 Mr Mladen Ivanović Fax: +32 2 502 46 37 E-mail: tajnistvo@hrvzz .hr Assistant coordinator E-mail: eu .office@istra-istria .hr www .hrvzz .hr Association of Municipalities in Croatia www .istra-europa .eu Hrgovići 59 Diplomatic representations 10 000 Zagreb Representation office of the Osijek- Croatia Baranja County Mission of Croatia to the European Union Tel: +385 1 3689 153 18B Rue Montoyer Avenue des Arts 50 Fax: +385 1 3637 116 B-1000 Bruxelles 1000 Bruxelles E-mail: Telefon: +32 2 335 00 92 Tel: +32 2 507 54 11 mivanovic@udruga-opcina .hr Fax: +32 2 230 27 33 Fax: +32 2 646 56 64 www .udruga-opcina .hr E-mail: slavonija@slavonija .be E-mail: cromiss .eu@mvep .hr www .eu .mfa .hr

Delegation of the EU to Croatia Trg žrtava fašizma 6 10000 Zagreb Tel: +385 (0) 1 4896 500 Fax: +385 (0) 1 4896 555 E-mail: delegation-croatia@eeas . europa .eu www .delhrv .ec .europa .eu 20

cdr_1555/3-2012/EN

June 2012

Edited by the Communication, Press and Events Directorate Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 101 _ 1040 Bruxelles/Brussel _ BELGIQUE/BELGÏE Tel. +32 2/282 22 11 _ Fax +32 2/282 23 25 www.cor.europa.eu