The cycling event also marked the conclusion of the use of EU funds from the 2014-2020 financial perspective. The route included some of the most significant local EU projects – the freshwater aquarium "Aquatika," the renovation of the Croatian Home and of the water and communal infrastructure, and the "Edison" cinema.
Croatia has so far secured over €12 billion from EU funds and "an additional 25 billion is ahead of us," Regional Development and EU Funds Minister Erlić said, adding that Croatia is now "much better, more connected, sustainable, greener, and more advanced."
"In 2013, we were at the bottom in terms of drawing money from European Union funds, at 60% of the EU development average, with record unemployment of over 17%. Now, we have record-high employment, record-low unemployment, and we are at 76% of GDP per capita compared to the European average. We are advancing as a society in all segments, growing above the EU average for the past 13 quarters, largely due to quality investment of EU funds," he said.
Erliće described Karlovac as an "example of positive transformation" with European money.
About €700 million in European money has been invested in Karlovac so far, said Mayor Mandić, highlighting the flood defence system project. "Membership in the European Union, thanks to our work and ability, and primarily the Government, has brought several steps forward for Karlovac."
County Prefect Furdek Hajdin mentioned the project of building a second track on the Zagreb-Rijeka railway and underlined that "European funds are not a goal, but a tool." "Membership in Europe has taught us the discipline of planning, setting deadlines, resources and personnel. That's why European money is welcome and makes us more competent."