Croatia approves additional EU funds for DC12 expressway

The Government of the Republic of Croatia has taken a significant step toward the construction of the DC12 expressway, which will connect Vrbovec, Bjelovar, and Virovitica to the Terezino Polje border crossing. During its 196th session on August 27, the government approved the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure to initiate procedures for allocating European Union funds from the Competitiveness and Cohesion Program 2021–2027. This approval allows for funding amounts exceeding the previously established financial envelope by more than ten percent.

The decision supports projects focused on sustainable urban mobility and the development of the TEN-T transport network, emphasizing smart, safe, and climate-resilient intermodal systems. In addition to the DC12 expressway, other key projects include the reconstruction of Strossmayerova Street in Osijek, the Nedelišće and Pušćina bypasses, and the expansion of the A8 motorway near the Matulji junction, alongside major traffic projects in Zagreb and Split.

For the Virovitica-Podravina County, the DC12 expressway is considered a vital infrastructure project intended to improve connectivity with Zagreb, stimulate economic development, attract new investments, and reduce transport isolation in the region.