Investments in islands amount to approximately 1.5 billion kuna annually, and in 2014, they increased to 1.8 billion kuna, of which the majority was invested in better transport connectivity, for which Jadrolinija acquired four new ferries, as well as the development of transport and communal infrastructure on the islands, it was emphasized today at the meeting of the Island Council held in Bol on the island of Brač, where the awards for the label “Croatian Island Product” will also take place on Friday and Saturday.
In addition to considering the Report on the effects of the implementation of the Islands Act for 2014, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and European Union Funds Jakša Puljiz and Assistant Minister of Agriculture Davorka Hajduković presented investment opportunities on the islands from EU funds through the Operational Program Competitiveness and Cohesion 2014-2020, and the Rural Development Program, the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds reported.
Currently, several calls for proposals are open that are also eligible for investments on the islands, and in addition to those for investments in production, a call worth 304 million kuna aimed at supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in tourism was announced in mid-October.
By the end of this year, more calls for the allocation of non-repayable funds are expected to be announced, such as those for strengthening the activities of research, development, and innovation in the business sector, investments in health infrastructure, cultural heritage, e-schools, etc.
Regarding the Rural Development Program, it was emphasized at the Council that since the beginning of this month, applications for support to young farmers are also being accepted, and members of the Island Council were presented with opportunities provided through measure 7 to local government units for financing basic communal infrastructure, such as water supply, drainage, and roads, as well as services aimed at improving the quality of life, such as kindergartens, community centers, themed parks, trails, etc., as well as financing opportunities for areas with more challenging management conditions. The announcement of this call is expected in November.
