EU investment response to corona crisis: €1.16 bn earmarked for Croatia

ZAGREB, March 26 (Hina) – The European Union has drawn up an investment plan worth €37 billion in response to the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, of which €1.16 billion is earmarked for Croatia, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said Thursday.

The coronavirus crisis “requires the responsibility and unity of the European Union. The European Commission’s investment plan has secured €37 billion, of which Croatia will receive €1.16 billion. The priority is to preserve health and jobs,” according to a tweet posted by Plenkovic, who is taking part in a video conference of EU leaders. The main topic discussed is the fight against COVID-19 and the rebuilding of economies afterwards.

The European Commission investment proposal was adopted by the European Parliament at its plenary session.

The €37 billion “Corona Response Investment Initiative” is directed at health care systems, SMEs, labour markets and other vulnerable parts of EU economies.

The EU leaders also upheld the decision to open EU membership talks with North Macedonia and Albania.

“We are happy about this confirmation. With this, one of the priorities of Croatia’s presidency of the EU Council has been fulfilled. This also shows that the EU remains committed to its priorities in these difficult circumstances,” Plenkovic said.