"In the last seven years, we invested €3 billion in 53 inhabited islands because we want to make life for island citizens better and closer to life on the mainland," he said after the session.
Plenković said that in 2018 his government drew up a new law on islands and endorsed a strategy and a national plan for their development. He reiterated that €150 million was set aside in the next financial cycle solely for the development of islands.
The session was also attended by the ministers of construction, regional development and EU funds, agriculture, culture, health, and science and education. Plenković said they reported on what was and would be done in utilising EU funds.
The government wants islands to be competitive, he said, adding that work is under way on realising the concept of smart islands.
The Island Council will meet twice a year so that island development can be systematically followed, he said.
Regional Development and EU Funds Minister Šime Erlić said the signs of improvement on the islands were evident. The number of enterprises increased by 27% and the number of persons in employment by 11% in 2022, he added.
Fifty-six contracts worth €320,000 were awarded to various island associations and 712 contracts worth €1.5 million to employers to stimulate enterprise and employment on islands.
Priorities include better transport to the mainland and dealing with population difficulties, said Erlić.