#EPPCohesionMonitoring

The goal of the mission to Croatia would be to present the successful EU-funded projects and activities in the City of Zaprešić, located 17 kilometres from Zagreb, in the north-western part of the Zagrebačka County. The City of Zaprešić has approximately 25 000 citizens and is located 14 kilometres from the border with Slovenia. Due to its location at the western side of the Medvednica mountain, along the Sava river, it is known by its untouched natural beauty but also with its surroundings that reveal the rich history of the area – from archaeological remains from the Neolithic and Iron Age, through ancient remains to the manor houses preserved today.

Furthermore, the main purpose of the mission would be to visit the EU-funded projects and to organise a press briefing with Croatian Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds, the Mayor of the City of Zaprešić and the representatives of the local authorities on the topic of the opportunities and significance of the EU funded projects for the local communities – and its positive impact on the daily lives of our citizens.

The objective of the visit to Slovenia is to present successful projects and activities financed from the EU structural funds and programmes in the municipalities of Podčetrtek and Lenart, which are located in the southeastern and eastern part of Slovenia.

Although that the Municipality of Podčetrtek is very far from major regional centers and there are no major roads or highways in its proximity, it is one of the most visited tourist spots in the country because of its Spa and Wellness center Terme Olimia and other tourist attractions. The municipal administration, under the leadership of the long-time mayor Peter Misja, was extremely successful in obtaining and implementing projects financed by the EU. Subsequently, Podčetrtek turned into a real tourist gem of Slovenia as it offers all the necessary infrastructure and conditions for young people, especially young families, to stay in the region and not emigrate to larger cities.

Similar goals are pursued by the Municipality of Lenart, which has approximately 8,175 inhabitants and 2,126 households. Lenart lies in the center of the Slovenske gorice region and is attractive to visitors who love nature, beautiful views and a variety of sports activities thanks to its diversity, from hilly to lowland world. It is particularly interesting for hikers, cyclists, anglers and hunters. Wandering through the hills of Slovenske gorice, among vineyards – tasting local cuisine and quality wines, in the surroundings of lakes and rivers offers relaxation and pleasure. In recent years, the municipality has also been very successful in obtaining funds from EU structural funds, with the help of which a large part of the public infrastructure was built and renovated, sustainable mobility was strengthened and social life in the municipality was revived. The last major acquisition, supported by the European Regional Development Fund, is the completion of the construction of the central sewage treatment plant, which will soon be ready for opening – most likely during the visit of the EPP delegation to the municipality.

The aim of the visit is therefore to see the already implemented EU-funded projects and projects that are still being implemented in the mentioned municipalities of Podčetrtek and Lenart, meetings with representatives of local communities in the mentioned municipalities and the organization of a press briefing between of the representatives of local authorities, state level and members of the EPP political group with representatives of the media, entitled “The importance of EU funding for the development of local communities and the challenges of the future EU cohesion policy”. The purpose of the aforementioned press briefing is to discuss the importance of sufficient EU funding for the development of local communities and the challenges of the future EU cohesion policy, the Recovery and Resilience Plan, the Common Agricultural Policy and the Solidarity Fund.

The purpose of the meeting with representatives of local authorities in the municipality of Lenart is to discuss the further potential of EU cohesion policy, the obstacles to its implementation and the simplification of rules, with a special emphasis on the instrument for recovery and resilience, the implementation of which has proven to be easier for EU member states compared to traditional EU structural funds.

All activities related to this visit of EPP Group MEPs to Slovenia are being coordinated between MEPs Ms Sunčana Glavak from Croatia and Mr Franc Bogovič from Slovenia.