Who can apply for the new island programs?

Island local government units, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, and other eligible beneficiaries will be able to apply through public calls.

What areas are covered by the new measures?

The programs cover improvements to healthcare, infrastructure projects, energy transition, waste management, support for civil society, and the protection of island products.

Which island programs were already adopted before this package?

Since the new Islands Act took effect, three programs have been adopted that support alternative water supply systems, environmentally sound wastewater disposal, and water transport for businesses.

What is the main goal of these programs?

The goal is to increase the competitiveness of the islands, stimulate sustainable development, and reduce differences in living conditions between island and mainland areas.

Croatia

Government Launches Six Programs to Save Croatia's Islands

A.G. · Prije 2h | 2 min

The Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds has unveiled a package of measures to improve life and business on the islands, from more accessible healthcare to support for entrepreneurs.

Summary

The Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds announced six new programs for Croatia's islands on August 6, 2026.
The measures target healthcare, infrastructure, energy transition, waste management, civil society, and the protection of island products.
The programs build on three already adopted ones that focused on water supply and wastewater management.
The goal is to reduce the gap between islands and the mainland and create conditions for young families to remain on the islands.

The Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds announced on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, six new programs aimed at improving living and business conditions on Croatia's islands. The measures are designed to tackle key challenges facing island communities, including healthcare, infrastructure, energy transition, and the preservation of local identity.

Based on the new Islands Act, the programs have been adopted, and their funding will be allocated through public calls. Eligible applicants will include island local government units, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, and other qualifying beneficiaries.

From Doctors to Entrepreneurs: What the New Programs Cover

One of the key programs is directly focused on improving healthcare, which is vital for island residents due to their distance from hospitals, chronic shortages of doctors, and limited access to certain medical services.

For entrepreneurs, measures are planned to support the green and energy transition, while a special program will back infrastructure projects crucial to the daily lives of island communities. Funding is also earmarked for civil society organizations and systematic waste management.

Special emphasis is placed on continuing the "Croatian Island Product" program, which promotes products tied to local tradition, knowledge, and island identity.

Three Programs Already Active: Focus on Water and Wastewater

Since the new law took effect, three programs have already been adopted. These measures provide support for alternative and individual household water supply systems, environmentally sound wastewater disposal, and water transport for businesses on the islands. Thus, this new package of six programs expands the scope of assistance, covering basic utility needs, economic strengthening, and the preservation of local distinctiveness.

Will the Programs Deliver on the Ground?

The overall framework has a clearly defined goal: to enhance the competitiveness of the islands, foster sustainable development, and reduce disparities between island and mainland regions. However, publishing the programs is just the beginning. For islanders, what will matter most is how much funding is available, how straightforward the application process is, and how quickly approved projects are implemented.

Croatia's islands need more than just additional initiatives on paper. They require reliable water supply, accessible doctors, quality infrastructure, sustainable jobs, and conditions that allow young families to stay in the places where they want to live.