European Structural and Investment Funds
European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds play a crucial role in financing projects that aim to reduce economic disparities and promote balanced development across the European Union. As the EU’s primary tools for cohesion policy, these funds support investments in infrastructure, education, employment, environmental protection, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
For Croatian institutions, organizations, and companies, the ESI funds represent a vital source of grants to implement various development initiatives that enhance competitiveness and improve quality of life.
What are ESI Funds?
ESI Funds consist of five key EU financial instruments focused on strengthening social, economic, and territorial cohesion. Through these funds, the EU supports projects that reduce regional disparities and enable sustainable growth. They include:
- European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) – finances infrastructure, digitalization, and innovation projects.
- Cohesion Fund (CF) – focuses on lower-GDP countries, supporting transport and environmental protection projects.
- European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) – focuses on employment, education, and social inclusion.
- European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) – supports rural development and agriculture.
- European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) – promotes sustainable marine resources and coastal development.
Each fund has specific goals and eligibility criteria, and their implementation is tied to national operational programs developed by each EU member state in collaboration with the European Commission.
Availability and Opportunities in Croatia
Between 2021 and 2027, Croatia is implementing a range of operational programs to maximize ESI fund opportunities:
- Competitiveness and Cohesion Program (ERDF and CF)
- Efficient Human Resources Program (ESF+)
- Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (EAFRD)
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Program (EMFAF)
Program management in Croatia is coordinated by ministries, while calls for proposals and funding opportunities are published by intermediary bodies.
Who Can Apply?
Depending on the specific call, ESI funds target a wide range of beneficiaries, including:
- Local and regional authorities – cities, municipalities, and counties
- Entrepreneurs – micro, small, medium, and large enterprises
- Educational and research institutions – schools, universities, and research organizations
- Non-governmental organizations – associations and charities working in the public interest
- Healthcare institutions – hospitals, clinics, and health centers
- Farmers and rural communities – projects for rural development and modernization
Each call has its own priorities and requirements, making it essential to track open calls and align project goals with EU priorities.
Why Partner with Us?
Our company has extensive experience in preparing and implementing EU-funded projects, with a specialization in ESI funds. We provide support at every stage – from project concept development and proposal preparation to grant management and reporting.
We can help you with:
- Identifying the most relevant funding opportunities
- Preparing documentation and applications
- Coordinating with ministries and intermediary bodies
- Project implementation and fund management
Recovery and Resilience Facility
The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) is the largest and most significant financial instrument established by the European Union in response to the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this facility, the EU supports member states in recovery, strengthening economic resilience, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
For Croatia, this facility is not just an opportunity for recovery but also a chance to transform key sectors, driving a stronger and more resilient economy.
What is the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF)?
Launched in 2021, the RRF is a temporary EU instrument designed to help member states address the economic, social, and health impacts of the pandemic. Its key objectives are:
- Mitigating the effects of the pandemic
- Implementing structural reforms and investments
- Strengthening resilience and preparedness for future crises
The RRF is built on National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs), prepared by each member state in line with EU guidelines and approved by the European Commission. These plans must include projects that drive green and digital transitions and improve economic growth and public services.
Unlike traditional EU funds, the RRF focuses on recovery and transformation objectives rather than ongoing structural investments.
RRF Components and Goals
Each member state’s NRRP must align with EU-wide priorities. Croatia’s NRRP 2021–2026 focuses on six key sectors:
- Economy
- Public administration and justice
- Education, science, and research
- Labor market and social protection
- Healthcare
- Building renovation
Within these areas, investments include digital infrastructure, green technologies, energy efficiency, education modernization, and more.
Croatia has secured €6.3 billion in grants through this facility, much of which has already been distributed via calls for proposals.
NRRP Implementation in Croatia
NRRP implementation is managed through calls for proposals and direct allocations, with clear eligibility criteria, target groups, and deadlines. Examples of calls include:
- Digitalization support for SMEs
- Investments in educational infrastructure
- Energy renovation of public buildings
- Digital transformation of healthcare
- Transportation infrastructure upgrades
The Ministry of Finance manages the plan via the National Recovery and Resilience Unit.
Who Can Apply?
Depending on the call, eligible applicants include:
- Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Local and regional government units
- Educational and research institutions
- Healthcare organizations and public companies
- NGOs, depending on specific calls
Some reforms under the NRRP are implemented directly through policy changes and institutional modernization without open calls.
EU Programmes
EU Programmes are centralized funding mechanisms managed by the European Commission, supporting projects in research, education, health, entrepreneurship, digitalization, environmental protection, and democratic values. Unlike structural funds, which are managed nationally, EU Programmes are centrally administered from Brussels and open to all legal entities from EU member states.
What Are EU Programmes?
EU Programmes are thematic funding instruments that support projects of European interest. Each program has a clearly defined purpose, target groups, eligible activities, and co-financing requirements.
Key differences from structural funds:
- Applications are submitted directly to European institutions or agencies
- Calls are highly competitive and often require international partnerships
- Rules and criteria are harmonized at EU level
By participating in these programs, organizations and companies can integrate into European networks and innovation flows, unlocking opportunities for growth and development.
Major EU Programmes 2021–2027
Some of the flagship EU Programmes include:
- Horizon Europe – research and innovation
- Digital Europe – digital infrastructure and AI
- Erasmus+ – mobility, education, youth, and sports
- EU4Health – health systems and prevention
- Creative Europe – cultural and audiovisual sectors
- Single Market Programme – SME support and market competitiveness
- CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values) – human rights and civic engagement
- LIFE Programme – environmental and climate action
- Interreg – cross-border and transnational cooperation
- InvestEU – private investment in strategic sectors
These programs publish calls throughout the year, some continuously open, others within fixed cycles with deadlines and budgets.
Croatia and EU Programmes
Croatia actively participates in all EU Programmes, with beneficiaries ranging from universities and municipalities to cultural organizations and SMEs. Examples include:
- Horizon Europe – universities and research institutes
- Erasmus+ – schools, universities, youth organizations
- Interreg – local/regional governments and development agencies
- Creative Europe – cultural NGOs and institutions
- Digital Europe – tech and IT companies
Croatia also benefits from initiatives such as the Just Transition Mechanism and territorial development programs.
Who Can Apply?
Most programs are open to:
- SMEs (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises)
- Local and regional authorities
- Public institutions and enterprises (schools, museums, hospitals, agencies)
- Universities and research institutes
- NGOs and civil society organizations
- International consortia
Many programs encourage partnerships, especially in research, education, environmental projects, and international cooperation.
Other Funding Sources
While EU structural funds and national recovery plans are the most widely recognized financing mechanisms, there are numerous other instruments that can play a critical role in achieving project success in innovation, research, international cooperation, social impact, or sustainability.
Alternative funding sources range from EU-managed programs to financial tools like loans, venture capital, and guarantees. Programs such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, LIFE, and Creative Europe provide targeted funding for organizations with European or global ambitions.
Financial instruments like InvestEU consolidate multiple funds to support strategic investments, while the European Investment Bank (EIB) offers loans and guarantees for innovation, infrastructure, and green energy projects. Venture capital provides growth-stage financing for startups and scaleups.
International organizations like the World Bank, UNDP, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) also finance regional cooperation, sustainable development, and democratization projects. National agencies such as GIZ (Germany) or SIDA (Sweden) fund initiatives that tackle global challenges like climate change, poverty reduction, and human rights.
Foundations and private donors are another essential resource, particularly for nonprofits and initiatives in education, health, and social justice.
In Croatia, all these sources are accessible to eligible organizations, and national contact points provide guidance on applications. Eligible applicants include public institutions, government agencies, universities, SMEs, nonprofits, and cultural institutions. Many programs encourage cross-border consortia, increasing success chances but requiring careful planning and collaboration.