The delegation was led by the Committee co-chairs, Croatian MP Andrej Plenkovic and Swedish member of the European Parliament Gunnar Hoekmark. They were accompanied by the head of the European Union Delegation to Croatia, Paul Vandoren.
The visit to the southern seaport of Split was organised as part of the 17th, two-day Committee meeting which began today.
Plenkovic said the Brodosplit management briefed the delegation about the number of the employed in the shipyard and how many they intended to hire in the years ahead.
CEO Darko Pappo presented some projects, with an emphasis on cooperation with the Dutch company Jumbo, and announced shipbuilding and energy deals.
Brodosplit representatives highlighted their intention to finance future projects through EU structural funds which encourage investment in production and job creation.
A thousand employees are enough at this moment but, according to plans, there should be more than 4,000 in 2015, said new owner Tomislav Debeljak, according to a statement.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee delegation was briefed about the Brodosplit's production possibilities, restructuring and plans for successful exports.
Pappo said the restructuring was being done in line with the European acquis and was an example of successful cooperation between the EU and Croatia during the country's accession negotiations.
The delegation also spoke with the workers at the docks, strongly supporting a successful privatisation of Brodosplit.
Shipbuilding is a very important industry for Croatia, we hope the restructuring will be successfully completed and that the new owner will be able to maintain this industry, said Hoekmark, according to a statement.
Guests from the European and Croatian parliaments and other EU institutions were pleased with what they saw at Brodosplit, voicing confidence that DIV's plans for development and expansion of production will bring results. They offered the assistance of specialised Croatian and EU institutions.