Given the key role of local administration in effective EU fund absorption - often the most challenging and underdeveloped link in the system - the program places strong emphasis on practical, field-based learning. Participants will benefit from concrete examples of successful projects implemented at the local and regional levels in Croatia, with a showcase of projects in digital and green transition, sustainable development, and infrastructure improvement. Special focus will be on practical tools for designing a quality development programme based on local needs and EU priorities, understanding the framework for regional support and investment, and principles of participatory planning, engaging stakeholders in decision-making. The idea is also to encourage the connection of stakeholders working on similar topics, which aims to further stimulate and expand the space for cooperation when it comes to local and regional development topics.

The main objective of the school is to gain knowledge about the latest approaches of EU policies in stimulating territorial development. In doing so, special emphasis is placed on the key public policies of the European Union and the experiences with their implementation in the member countries.

At the same time, the program will enable the transfer of Croatian experiences using various EU instruments to encourage territorial development.

This program is designed for senior public officials directly involved in EU integration and regional development processes, specifically:

• Heads or Members of Working Group on Chapter 22 – Regional Policy & Coordination of Structural Instruments (where applicable),
• Representatives of the Union or Association of Municipalities,
• Officials from the Ministry of Regional Development or the Ministry of Finance, particularly those working in units responsible for EU funds programming, management, or coordination.