Hina - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets Branko Bačić on Wednesday presented three contracts worth €9.87 million for green urban infrastructure projects to local government leaders from Istria County at a ceremony in the Municipality of Sveti Petar u Šumi.
Speaking at the event, Bačić described green urban infrastructure as the lungs of towns and municipalities, highlighting its role in increasing green spaces.
Under a Ministry-led public call, 87,000 trees and shrubs will be planted across Croatia, creating 330 hectares of new green areas, benefitting around one in ten Croatian citizens living there, said Bačić.
He awarded three contracts worth €9.87 million for projects in Istria County, including €3.83 million for the Municipality of Bale, €1.69 million for the Municipality of Marčana and €4.33 million for the City of Rovinj to restore the Zlatni Rt-Punta Corrente forest park.
The projects in Bale, Marčana and Rovinj will enhance public spaces through landscaping, new green infrastructure, improved recreational facilities and measures to support urban wildlife.
Minister Bačić said the projects would improve the quality and appearance of urban spaces while supporting climate change mitigation goals and Croatia’s transition towards climate neutrality by 2050.
The public call attracted 140 local authorities within the first three hours of opening. Due to strong interest, funding was increased from €71 million to €131 million, enabling the financing of 72 green infrastructure projects across Croatia. The minister noted that efforts were under way to secure additional funding for remaining eligible projects. In total, €11.1 million in EU funding has been allocated to green urban renewal projects in Istria.
19 local authorities and Istria County express interest in affordable housing initiative
During his visit, Bačić met with mayors and municipal leaders from Istria County to discuss affordable housing and the implementation of the national housing policy.
Bačić said the forthcoming Affordable Housing Act, envisaged under the National Housing Policy Plan, would require close cooperation between the state, counties and local authorities.
He noted that 19 local authorities had expressed interest in joining the initiative and submitted proposals for measures aimed at improving access to affordable housing, either through home ownership or renting. The Istria County prefect has also shown interest, as the new legislation will enable regional authorities to participate in the programme.
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