The European Commission on Thursday approved the modification of the Operational Programme "Competitiveness and Cohesion” in Croatia, redirecting almost €135 million of Cohesion policy funding to help the country tackle the effects of the coronavirus crisis.

According to a press release, “€50 million of EU funds will serve to purchase medical and protective equipment for over 1,200 hospitals, other health institutions and elderly homes, while Croatian SMEs will benefit from almost €85 million for continuing their operations and saving employment.”

The programme “will temporarily benefit from 100% co-financing from the EU budget.”

The “Cohesion policy is playing an important role in the response to the pandemic and prompting a sustainable way to recovery. Thanks to the joint and swift efforts of the Croatian authorities and the Commission, these resources are providing much needed relief and support to the country’s health sector and economy,” said Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira.

The modifications are possible thanks to exceptional flexibility under the EU coronavirus response.