Croatia's Regional Development and EU Funds Ministry said on Monday it had sent a statement of outlay to the European Commission to authorise the expenditure of HRK 980 million.

The statement refers to the funds from Priority Axis I which includes the strengthening of the economy through promoting research and innovation and Priority Axis 3 pertaining to the enhancing of business competitiveness.

The authorisation of HRK 980 million, that is €130 million, will lead to the accomplishment of 97% of the target for 2020, which amounts to €2.4 billion, says the ministry.

To date, €2.3 billion has been authorised within the Competitiveness and Cohesion operational programme, says the ministry.