Croatian investment in mass tourism is untenable and may destroy the country's tourism industry in the long run, a Dutch Green member of the European Parliament, Bas Eickhout, told Hina in an interview.

“I am not sure that that is a kind of a long-lasting investment, because you will see that people more and more look for areas where they can also find quietness. Investing in mass tourism may bring you fast money, but maybe not for the longer term,” Eickhout said.

He said that by investing a lot of money in mass tourism Croatia risks losing its tourism in the long run. “That would be a pity because I want people to enjoy the Croatian coast also in the longer term.”

The Dutch MEP said that the potential of the Croatian coast is huge and that the European Union should “strengthen its visions” in that regard.

Speaking of the EU’s Green Deal, he said that “our coastal areas have a huge potential to deliver on biodiversity, renewable energy and sustainable fisheries.” What is always at the core of the green mindset is “how can you create an economic business that is valuable now, but also in the future, for the families later on?” he added.

Eickhout noted that the Green Deal is not and should not be regarded solely as the EU’s matter, but that neighbouring countries should also be involved in its implementation. “We hope, of course, that in the end, the entire Balkans will be part of the European Union. That’s for sure where we start from, that is our aim.”

Last year Eickhout was voted the most influential MEP on climate and environmental policy by the organisation VoteWatch Europe.