Of the 22 billion that the Prime Minister expects to receive, almost ten are linked to the recovery fund. The rest is included in the EU's long-term budget.
But among the Croatian companies that have been without income since the pandemic started, there is concern about how the grants will be used.
- Croatia is still seen as a country with a lot of corruption. I just hope that these contributions will not be affected by this, says Ines Nanic, local event organizer who has been without income since last spring.
When the leaders agreed on the recovery fund after the corona pandemic, one of the demands was that those who receive grants must also follow the principles of the rule of law. Thus counteract corruption and abuse of power.
"Life at stake"The wording adopted has subsequently been criticized for being too vague.
- The biggest concern for an ordinary Croatian is how the funds will be handled and distributed. If managed wisely, I think it can save lives, not just jobs. In the end, it is life that is at stake, says Ines Nanic.
In a comment to SVT, the Croatian government says that the fight against corruption in the country is a very high priority and that they will follow all laws and regulations set by the EU.
But among those we meet in the coastal city of Dubrovnik, the hope is still in the first place that tourists dare to return. Until 31 July, according to the Croatian Tourist Board, Dubrovnik had 86% fewer tourists this year compared to last year, and since then it has recovered somewhat.
- I never think tourism will be the same again, at least not for a long time to come. The whole experience has been scarred by corona, says Ines Nanic.