23 million Swiss francs secured for the improvement of water and utility infrastructure and wastewater system in the Gorski kotar region.
In the presence of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, and the President of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, the Minister of Regional Development and European Union Funds, Nataša Mikuš Žigman, and the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to the Republic of Croatia, H.E. Beatrice Schaer, signed an agreement for the Water Supply and Wastewater Program as part of the Second Swiss Contribution. This ensures the prerequisites for the use of 23 million Swiss francs intended for the improvement of water and utility infrastructure and wastewater system in the Gorski kotar region.
“This agreement is an important step in the continuation of successful Croatian-Swiss cooperation. Investments in water supply and wastewater in the Gorski kotar region will bring concrete benefits to citizens through a better quality of life, a safer water supply and environmental protection. The Swiss contribution, together with national co-financing, is an example of a partnership that shows how, through joint efforts, we can create sustainable communities,” emphasized Minister Mikuš Žigman.
The Swiss-Croatian cooperation program focuses on activities that contribute to strengthening economic and social cohesion in Croatia and represents an expression of Swiss solidarity in reducing economic and social inequalities in the European Union. The Framework Agreement on the implementation of the Second Swiss Contribution was signed in October 2022, allocating 45.7 million Swiss francs to Croatia for investments in research programs, water supply and sanitation, the development of palliative care and the strengthening of civil society. Agreements have also been signed so far for the Research Program worth 8 million francs and the Civil Society and Transparency Program worth 7.6 million francs. In accordance with the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030, which prioritizes the development of public infrastructure in hilly and mountainous regions, the Water Supply and Wastewater Program invests in the (re)construction of the sewage and water supply system in Gorski kotar, with the aim of reducing water losses and reducing pollution of groundwater and surface water. In this way, it contributes to improving living conditions and sustainable economic development by ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water.
Earlier, as part of the First Swiss Contribution, eleven projects worth a total of 42.7 million Swiss francs were successfully implemented in Croatia. Among the most significant are investments in water supply and drainage in Gorski kotar, demining of areas in Sisak-Moslavina County, financing the participation of Croatian entrepreneurs in international research projects, and education modernization projects. Before signing the Agreement, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and President Keller-Sutter discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, which were assessed as excellent and friendly.