Croatia launches €131m urban greening programme

Hina - The Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets has issued 72 funding decisions for urban green infrastructure projects worth €131 million, which were awarded on Wednesday to local government units.

The projects are expected to benefit more than 340,000 citizens across Croatian towns and cities by improving access to new green infrastructure. More than 87,000 trees and shrubs will be planted, while over 330 hectares of urban areas will be covered by greening and landscaping measures, Minister Branko Bačić said, noting strong interest in the call for proposals.

He added that the projects include parks, small waterways, fountains, public lighting and accessibility facilities for people with disabilities, describing them as “the lungs of our cities” that will improve quality of life in local communities. Completion is expected by 2027, or 2028 at the latest.

Environment Minister Marija Vučković said similar projects will continue, stressing that they represent the development of “natural capital” in urban areas.

Regional Development and EU Funds Minister Nataša Mikuš Žigman said the projects will also improve EU fund absorption, noting that Croatia has contracted 80% of cohesion policy funds, above the EU average.

Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund director Luka Balen said the projects are key for the green transition, adding that previous national co-financing schemes worth €45 million have already supported the planting of around 145,000 trees.

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