"Although Croatia drew from EU funds marginally more than it paid (into the EU budget) so far, we estimate that in 2016 the amount will be nearly twice as high as (in 2015)," Sasa Bukovac of the HGK international affairs sector said.
The better absorption of EU funds in 2016 is primarily a result of more tenders, stronger administrative capacities in EU fund management and control, better information, and the financial sector's openness to back applicants, the HGK said.
Croatia drew EUR 584 million from the EU budget in 2014, EUR 556 million in 2015 and possibly EUR 850 million in 2016, the HGK said, citing Finance Ministry data.
The weaker absorption in the past was mainly due to a high number of uneven project proposals, lack of staff in relevant bodies and frequent tender documentation changes.
Bukovac said it was important to define areas with a pronounced need for co-financing and invite applications accordingly and on time. "We are optimistic and predict that absorption of EU funds in Croatia in the new year will see an additional increase, which will ensure a markedly better overall absorption of EU funds."