Croatia may lose major EU cohesion funding as budget priorities shift

EU cohesion policy has supplied Croatia with billions of euros that fund infrastructure, hospitals, schools, bridges and digitalisation projects. At the recent plenary of the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels, members warned that the next Multi‑annual Financial Framework (post‑2027) could re‑allocate large sums toward defence, security, competitiveness and technology, making cohesion the biggest potential loser.

The debate highlighted the risk that existing cohesion funds might be merged into national investment plans, reducing the direct influence of regional and local authorities. For Croatia, which relies heavily on European funds for development—especially in less‑affluent areas such as Slavonia, Banovina, Lika and parts of Dalmatian hinterland—any substantial cuts could slow or halt projects in transport, education, water management and the green transition.