Međimurje County Prefect Matija Posavec attributes this recognition to a successful collaboration between the public sector, businesses and the local population, calling it an additional incentive for further progress.
"The selection included over 150 European regions and cities, ranked according to size - small, medium, large or micro cities and regions. For the fifth time in the past 12 years, Međimurje County is part of this prestigious group," he told the press in Čakovec on Wednesday.
Međimurje’s competitiveness stems primarily from its export-oriented economy, with export value per capita more than double the Croatian average, he said.
Key advantages of the region include a highly skilled workforce, industrial modernisation and tax incentives. "Međimurje is the only county where no municipality or city imposes a surtax and this has been the case for several years," Posavec noted.
Beyond economic development, he emphasised the importance of quality of life, balanced growth and sustainability. According to him, Međimurje has seen one of the highest increases in employment and personal income in Croatia over the past eight years.
He also highlighted the benefits of Croatia’s EU membership, saying it has contributed to a rise in Međimurje’s exports to €6,000 per capita, an increase of 2.7 times compared to a decade ago.
Additionally, the region is investing in renewable energy sources and education.
"Although this is a significant recognition, it is not our goal but a means to becoming even better," Posavec concluded.