Original scientific paper
Attitudes of Users of Financial Resources from EU Funds towards the Application Procedure in Osijek-Baranja and Vukovar-Srijem Counties
Sandra Mrvica Mađarac
; University of Applied Sciences “Lavoslav Ružička” in Vukovar, Croatia
*
Darija Ivanković
; University of Applied Sciences “Lavoslav Ružička” in Vukovar, Croatia
*
Marija Vinojčić
; Duboševica, Croatia
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The aim of the research was to examine user satisfaction with financial resources from European Union funds, the perception of the complexity of the application process, and the impact of the funds on users’ businesses in the Osijek-Baranja and Vukovar-Srijem counties. The study involved 70 users of financial resources, including family farms, business entities, associations, and local government units. The field research was conducted through a questionnaire from April to June 2024. To test the hypotheses, a one-sample t-test and chi-square test were used. The t-test was employed to assess the level of user satisfaction, while the chi-square test was used to examine the complexity of the application process. The results showed that most participants expressed high satisfaction with the financial resources of funds received, and almost all confirmed that the funds had a positive impact on their business. Despite this, the application process was perceived as complex, prompting most participants to seek expert assistance in drafting project documentation. The financial resources were most commonly used for the purchase of machinery, equipment, and the construction of facilities and infrastructure. The results of the research point to a significant impact of EU funds on business development, especially in rural areas, but also highlight the need for simplifying administrative procedures and providing additional support to users during the application process.
Keywords
European Union funds; the financial resources; research; user satisfaction
Hrčak ID:
325237
URI
Publication date:
15.12.2024.
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