The EU uses funds from the programme to co-finance European energy projects, and Croatian companies will be able to apply already for the next tender, due to be announced in May with a total budget of EUR55 million.
"By signing this memorandum, we have become a full partner to a European programme," Polancec told reporters, and Piebalgs added that it was a positive step towards strengthening cooperation between Croatia and the EU in the energy sector.
Asked if Croatia was considering the possibility of building another nuclear power plant, Polancec said: "We may open a debate on nuclear energy in the future, but it is not under discussion at the moment. Future lies in water potential, gas and renewable energy sources."
While in Brussels, the Croatian deputy prime minister also attended a European business summit.