Energy and energy development are an important part of the overall policy, he said, glad that the Croatian government attached a lot of importance to it.
He underlined that it was important to ensure energy availability to every individual, notably young families. In order to do that, energy costs should be subsidised for those who cannot pay them, he said.
Josipovic underlined the importance of early teaching about rational energy use, from kindergarten even. Rational use, including renewables, should enable further investing in economic development and job creation, he said.
The president voiced confidence that Croatia would introduce the rational energy use standards the European Union was striving for.
He was optimistic about investing in the energy sector and its infrastructure, saying Croatia has a big potential in this area given its location between countries that are large producers and those that are large energy consumers.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Sinisa Hajdas Doncic said energy and sustainable energy development were an important issue in the EU, crucial for economic growth, regional development and environmental protection.
The three-day Croenergy 2013 conference was organised by the North-west Croatia Regional Energy Agency and drew participants from about 60 member countries of the European Federation of Agencies and Regions for Energy and Environment.