Croatia upgrades Ludbreg library and Vinkovci gallery with EU and national funds

In Ludbreg, a €5.6 million project to convert a former bakery into a new municipal library and cultural center was launched on 25 May. The European Union contributes €4.7 million through the Competitiveness and Cohesion Programme. The 1,500‑square‑metre facility will house reading rooms, audiovisual sections, a children’s area, administration offices and a multifunctional hall, aiming to create a modern public space for education and community events. Mayor Dubravko Bilić highlighted the library as a cornerstone of Ludbreg’s broader development plan.

In Vinkovci, the Slavko Kopač Gallery underwent a €1.2 million energy‑efficient renovation, financed with €678 000 from Croatia’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The works, completed after a 40‑year closure, added a new façade, roof, lighting, a lift and improved accessibility for people with disabilities. Director Hrvoje Vulić and Mayor Josip Romić emphasized the project’s role in preserving cultural heritage while reducing energy consumption by 77 percent and providing a modern venue for exhibitions and cultural programs.