The European Commission will adopt an official decision on opening the funds as part of the pre-accession strategy for Croatia, which is expected to be adopted on October 6.
The ministry recalled that EU entry candidates have three pre-accession instruments at their disposal -- PHARE, ISPA, and SAPARD.
PHARE is a programme supporting state administration bodies in the approximation of national laws to European regulations and preparing them for the use of EU structural funds after admission.
ISPA finances investment in environmental protection and transport.
SAPARD prepares EU candidates to implement laws regulating the Common Agricultural Policy and encourages the development of rural areas.