Just a little political will and courage is needed for decentralization to be implemented

Up to 150 thousand euros can be obtained in non-repayable funds, the duration is a maximum of two years, and unlike other programs, reporting is extremely simplified.

These are, in short, the advantages of the Europe for Citizens 2014-2020 program presented by senior advisor in the Government Office for Associations Luka Margan. The program serves as a tool for applying innovative models by involving citizens in the decision-making process at the local level, and currently, all EU member states, as well as other accession and candidate countries, participate in the program. Croatia has been participating in this program since 2008, and in the previous financial period, in the Europe for Citizens 2007-2013 program, the membership fee amounted to 467.5 million euros, and more funds were withdrawn than invested – 2.6 billion euros.

Following the conference, a round table titled ‘Local Step for Global Leap’ was held, featuring the president of the Croatian Association of Counties and the prefect of Virovitica-Podravina County Tomislav Tolušić, scientific advisor at the Institute for Development and International Relations Sanja Maleković, professor Mirko Klarić from the Faculty of Law in Split, president of the Croatian delegation in the EU Committee of the Regions and prefect of Dubrovnik-Neretva County Nikola Dobroslavić, prefect of Osijek-Baranja County Vladimir Šišljagić, secretary of Osijek-Baranja County Davor Brunčić, and executive advisor in the Council of European Municipalities and Regions Boris Tonhauser. The discussion began with the situation of refugees, which is a reflection of the coordination between the local and state levels. Šišljagić complained about completely wrong assessments and lack of information from the state level.

– The local level has functioned impeccably in all its powers, but coordination has been poor – said Šišljagić.

Tolušić highlighted the aforementioned Danish and Polish models as a good way for the state and local levels to cooperate.

– We can solve everything through agreement and conversation, but it is incredible that the Prime Minister does not have time to visit 20 prefects in four years. Unfortunately, many bad things are decided simply due to lack of communication – said Tolušić.

That even wealthier counties are not having it easy was revealed by Dobroslavić:

– Today, the problem of lack of funds for decentralization and the need for more funds at lower levels of self-government has been well presented. Only in this way can we build a state where all areas will be evenly developed – concluded Dobroslavić, also complaining about the centralization of EU fund management, delays in tenders, and poor preparations.

Maleković commented on county development agencies, stating that there is no reason to be subjective as today we have a whole range of agencies with excellent results. In the continuation of the discussion, Klarić reminded of the French model of local self-government organization that has been attempted to be improved several times.

– The powers of municipalities and cities have been reduced to spatial planning and communal activities, and counties can hardly control a series of development processes because a whole range of activities is directed by the state. There is also a bigger problem arising from the circumstances as an attempt was made to create a new model. This is a compromise model today, and precisely because of that, we have dualism in performing tasks at the local level – warned Klarić.

Brunčić reminded that local self-government entered the Constitution by accident and was built with a fig in its pocket. It has lost its competencies, independence, and financial resources.

– The starting basis of every reform is determining the state. Every government has had a program that spoke about decentralization and territorial organization. Even regulations were adopted, but very little of that has been implemented. Is it a question of ignorance or political will or even courage? Reform must be implemented. We need to build project management. We are not less capable than others; we have quality people – believes Brunčić.

Trends in decentralization were revealed by Tonhauser, stating that it is a trend across Europe.

– Many countries have decentralized powers just to get rid of responsibilities and burdens. Unfortunately, these competencies are not always accompanied by financial resources. On the other hand, some governments are taking away competencies from local self-governments. That is not a good way. Decentralization empowers cities and citizens. True decentralization occurs when we talk about decision-making that people can influence – said Tonhauser.

Tolušić noted that he is bothered by the story of territorial division.

– Equalize Slavonia with Istria in terms of infrastructure and GDP and reshape it however you want. That is where the problems lie. The sugar factory Viro is headquartered in Zagreb. In my county, it employs people, but pays taxes in Zagreb. The state has a certain pie and does not want to give it up, but if we are going to decentralize things, then it will have to. When we talk about Slavonia, five counties have a budget of 800 million kuna. If we abolish all five tomorrow, we have one region, and what have we achieved with that? The same number of people and the same 800 million kuna. If that will be 1.6 billion kuna, I will sign immediately. The problem is not five or 25 counties; the problem is the way of functioning – emphasized Tolušić.

Šišljagić agreed with him, emphasizing that changes are necessary and that expertise and science are directing this, but politics lacks will.

– You cannot employ a person in one health center without the minister’s approval. Centralization has led to great tensions between certain regions – revealed Šišljagić.

The situation in Slavonia is extremely difficult; they are receiving new obligations while losing revenues, which was pointed out by the mayor of Pakrac Davor Huška, who literally appealed to the government to do something about Slavonia to reach some level of development. Klarić added that there has been an accelerated trend of people leaving Slavonia in recent months and that further emigration will reduce tax revenues as the number of people paying them will decrease.

In conclusion, Tolušić believes that local and regional self-government have a future:

– The Croatian Association of Counties wants to create public opinion and make proposals. Decentralization is inevitable, but I doubt that the next government will implement this decentralization. I see no reason, other than will and a bit of courage, that we cannot work together on this issue.