Participation in the programmes will make it possible for a large number of Croatian institutions to familiarise themselves with methods of work in the EU as a precondition for their integration into the Union.
This will also ensure access to additional EU funds and non-repayable funds for designated projects and the participation of Croatian institutions in the boards managing those programmes.
According to the conclusion, Croatia plans to join 15 programmes this year and another eight by the end of 2008, including those providing support for employment, culture, innovation competition, and customs and fiscal policies.
Programmes are financed through membership fees paid by EU member states, while in the case of Croatia most of the money for the membership fee will be secured from EU pre-accession funds until the country becomes a full member.
The government adopted a decision on Croatia's accession to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the accompanying Optional Protocol. The convention is to be signed on March 30.
The government also initiated procedure for Croatia's accession to the European Convention for the Protection of the Audiovisual Heritage.