Krapina-Zagorje County officials meet in Brussels to discuss EU budget

Željko Kolar, the prefect of Krapina-Zagorje County, met with Member of the European Parliament Matjaž Nemec in Brussels on October 13, 2026. The meeting, held during the European Week of Regions and Cities, focused on the European Union’s long-term budget for 2028–2034 and future financial priorities.

As the county prepares new strategic documents, including a new development plan, Kolar aims to align regional priorities with EU guidelines to maximize the efficiency of fund acquisition. Kolar noted that Krapina-Zagorje County was the most successful Croatian county in drawing EU funds between 2021 and 2024, securing nearly 100 million euros, which accounted for every eighth euro drawn by Croatian counties during that period.

The discussions occur amid debates regarding the EU's multi-annual financial framework. A draft proposed by the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU suggests a budget framework of approximately 1,825 billion euros, a reduction of about 160 billion euros from previous proposals. Of this, 837.33 billion euros is proposed for national and regional reform plans, covering areas such as cohesion policy, agriculture, social policy, and fisheries.