Fitto in Zagreb: Advancing Croatia’s Cohesion Policy and Recovery Goals

On Monday, 20 January, Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto visited Zagreb to discuss the practical implementation and future of the Cohesion Policy with Croatian leaders, as well as the delivery of the Croatian Recovery and Resilience Plan and the overall progress of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). His schedule included meetings with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, government ministers, and representatives at both national and local levels.

While in Zagreb, EVP Fitto addressed Croatia’s demographic challenges and explored opportunities presented by the upcoming mid-term review of Cohesion Policy. These discussions highlighted key priorities, such as the New European Bauhaus initiative and improving access to affordable housing. The visit emphasized the EU’s commitment to promoting economic, social, and territorial cohesion, while empowering regions and cities to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.

After a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Plenković, EVP Fitto addressed the Annual Recovery and Resilience Facility Conference, discussing topics including the green transition, competitiveness, and the benefits of the RRF for Croatian citizens and businesses.

During his speech, he noted:

“Croatia is among the leading countries in implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). This is a remarkable achievement, considering that the total value of the plan is 10 billion euros, equivalent to nearly 13% of Croatia’s GDP. To date, Croatia has successfully reached 157 milestones and targets and has already received 4.5 billion euros, an impressive 44.7% of all available funds.”

He further acknowledged the country’s efforts by stating:

“You have also already submitted the sixth payment request, in line with the established schedule. The Commission’s services are currently evaluating it. However, the implementation of EU policies is not just a matter of money. What truly matters are the results on the ground, the benefits for citizens, the structural changes, and the impact we can actually see. I would like to mention a few examples. The reform of the new renewable energy legislation helps remove barriers to the adoption of renewable energy sources. The hydrogen strategy provides an alternative for hydrogen-based fuels. The healthcare reform aims to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the entire sector. And the reform that enhances excellence in scientific research speaks for itself.”

Later, he met with Minister of Finance Marko Primorac and participated in a working lunch hosted by Minister for Regional Development and EU Funds Šime Erlić. In the afternoon, he engaged with representatives from the Association of Cities in Croatia, the Croatian Union of Municipalities, the Croatian County Association, and several mayors.

During a meeting with the Mayor of Zagreb, accompanied by a delegation of mayors from across Croatia, Fitto emphasized that “the involvement of local territories, with their specific characteristics, in the definition of cohesion policies is the most effective way to understand the needs of citizens.”
Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto is the Italian member of the College of Commissioners. He belongs to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s “Fratelli d’Italia” party (ECR). Before becoming European Commissioner, EVP Fitto was a minister in Meloni’s government, in charge of European Affairs, cohesion policy, and the Recovery and Resilience Plan.