Croatia will have approximately 70 million euros available from the European Social Fund after joining the EU in the second half of this year, which is the main instrument for implementing the EU’s strategic policy in the field of employment. To receive this funding, careful planning and a well-prepared government administration are necessary, stated Zoltan Kazatsay, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, at today’s European Social Fund Day.
He also indicated that the Commission sees great importance in this Fund in Croatia, as well as considerable room for cooperation in addressing labor market issues, particularly due to the rising unemployment among youth, women, and other groups, the lack of vocational training, and the deteriorating social situation.
He believes that an agreement regarding the use of funds from this Fund will be concluded with the Government by no later than July 19, with negotiations currently underway. Kazatsay emphasized that Croatia, like other EU countries, must not allow youth to make up more than 50 percent of the total number of unemployed, as this is dangerous for the development of the state and society. Therefore, Croatia must urgently improve its policies in this regard and align educational programs with labor market demand.
