Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.21861/HGG.2024.87.01.04
Moving towards the decentralization of Croatia – Proposing new functional territorial units
Aleksandar Toskić
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Prirodoslovno-matematički fakultet, Geografski odsjek, Zagreb, Hrvatska
*
Dražen Njegač
orcid.org/0000-0002-6518-9620
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Prirodoslovno-matematički fakultet, Geografski odsjek, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Danijel Orešić
orcid.org/0000-0002-5809-085X
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Prirodoslovno-matematički fakultet, Geografski odsjek, Zagreb, Hrvatska
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
The territorial and administrative organization of a given country is designed to ensure the most functional, rational, and effective use of space. The current organization of the Republic of Croatia has not proven effective, as the majority of local units (municipalities) lack the capacity to fulfil all their responsibilities, as mandated by law. Although some decentralization has occurred in the fiscal arena, unfortunately, many fragmented small local units are unable to handle decentralized functions at a local level. This paper aims to propose a substantially reduced list of centres for administrative-territorial units and, consequently, a new administrative-territorial organization. This proposal serves as a foundation for further discussion, and minor politically-motivated adjustments to the model are acceptable. It is based on the premise that the most functionally significant settlements—such as cities and larger labour centres—are more suitable as centres for administrative-territorial units. In line with this premise, a new model based on specific criteria, including settlement size and economic strength, is proposed. This has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of local centres, decreasing from 556 in 2021 to 123. At the first-tier or regional territorial level, a total of five regions are proposed. The enlargement of administrative-territorial units at both tiers, local and regional, will also enhance their fiscal capabilities, allowing them to more effectively carry out and provide essential public functions, especially at the local level.
Ključne riječi
urban system; administrative-territorial organization; functional organization; decentralization; Croatia
Hrčak ID:
333656
URI
Datum izdavanja:
14.7.2025.
Posjeta: 1.312 *