Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.31297/hkju.26.1.1

Challenges Faced by Local Government Units in the Use of EU Funds

Mijo Bežovan orcid.org/0009-0000-0515-8120 ; Faculty of Political Science, University of Zagreb
Jakša Puljiz orcid.org/0000-0002-1690-2346 ; Institute for Development and International Relations,
Igor Vidačak orcid.org/0000-0003-2532-7504 ; Faculty of Political Science, University of Zagreb

Abstract

This article explores the main challenges faced by local government units in Croatia in the absorption of EU funds. The research is based on a thematic analysis of interviews conducted with local government representatives and business consultants from all regions of Croatia, ensuring comprehensive territorial coverage and capturing the heterogeneity of local governance experiences across municipalities and cities of varying sizes, development levels, and geographic locations. The study identifies four key challenges: limited human capacity, difficulties in ensuring financial sustainability, administrative complexity, and political influence. This paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the need for a comprehensive reform of the local self-government system in Croatia, advocating for territorial amalgamation as a means of strengthening local absorption capacity, seen as a prerequisite for the effective implementation of cohesion policy and balanced regional development.

Keywords

EU funds; local government units; absorption capacity; cohesion policy; Croatia; regional development; Europeanisation

Hrčak ID:

345919

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/345919

Publication date:

30.3.2026.

Visits: 345 *