ZAGREB, 5 February, 2021 - The Croatian Parliament on Friday adopted the National Development Strategy until 2030, an overarching strategic document for national development that will  provide a framework for the preparation of all local, regional and national strategies.

The strategy received 77 votes in favour, 59 against and 2 abstentions.

"We want a Croatia that by 2030 will be a competitive, innovative and safe country, with a recognisable identity and culture, a country with preserved resources, good living conditions and equal opportunities for all," Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said.

In order to achieve that vision the strategy is focused on four development areas (sustainable economy and society, strengthening their resilience to crises, a green and digital transition, and balanced regional development) as well as 13 strategic objectives and 23 impact indicators.

Parliament also endorsed the prime minister's report on European Council meetings held in 2020, with 78 votes in favour of the report.

Report on COVID activities adopted

A report on the effects of measures implemented in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic from March 2020 to mid-January this year was adopted with 77 votes in favour.

All the measures implemented were directed at protecting human health. They were proportional and did not impact anyone's basic rights, Health Minister Vili Beroš explained noting that the COVID-crisis has cost more than HRK 2.5 billion.

"We do not know what awaits us, what the new virus will bring, but so far we have responded to this threat well," he said.

A report on the work of the Public Prosecutor's Office in 2019 was also adopted.

ZAGREB, November 12, 2020 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Thursday unveiled a proposal for the national development strategy until 2030, saying that ten years from now he saw Croatia as a competitive, innovative and stable country of recognisable identity and culture, with preserved resources, good living standards and equal opportunities for all.

In circumstances of globalisation, over the next decade Croatia must use its competitive advantages and focus on sustainable economy and society, on increasing resilience to crises, on a green and digital transition, and balanced regional development, the prime minister said.

The goals include realising the potential for development, mitigating the consequences of the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, promoting sustainable and stable development, improving living standards and ensuring equal opportunities for all people.

Plenkovic said that ambitious and realistic indicators were developed for all these components.

The proposed national development strategy will be put to public consultation over the next 30 days, after which it goes before the government and parliament. 

Plenkovic expressed hope that the strategy would be adopted with a broad consensus and support.