Obuljen Korzinek said this was the first time that a Croatian city had been designated a European capital of culture, noting that Rijeka would hold this title in 2020 when Croatia would hold the rotating presidency of the European Union. She said that the government had undertaken to co-finance the project and provide logistical and operational support.
Asked by the press about a complaint from Brussels about delays in organisational preparations, Obuljen Korzinek said there were no delays. "We held this meeting at government headquarters, and the Ministry of Culture had held the necessary meetings before," she said, adding that preparations were being made according to schedule.
She said that the disbursement of the necessary 10 million euros was about to begin.
Komadina said that this was a project of national significance, adding that 27 municipalities and towns in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, excluding Rijeka, would establish links with 27 towns in the European Union. He said that the project was also an opportunity to promote the Croatian tourist industry and economy.
Obersnel said that the government had earmarked 10 million euros in the budget for this project, and as much had been secured by the county through EU funds and sponsors. He specified that 19 million euros had been secured from the European Union.
Also present at the meeting were the project's executive director Emina Visnic and representatives of the ministries of culture, tourism, transport and infrastructure, science and education, finance, social affairs and youth, and foreign and European affairs.
The meeting was initiated by Prime Minister Plenkovic during his visit to Rijeka on July 5.