The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is the voice of regions and cities in the European Union (EU) which represents local and regional authorities across the European Union and advises on new laws that have an impact on regions and cities (70% of all EU legislation).

The CoR is a political assembly composed of 329   members  and 329 alternates from all EU countries (grouped by political party and headed by headed by the President)headed by the President) who have been elected at local or regional level (for example as Mayors or Presidents of a region). They come to Brussels up to six times a year to debate their opinions  on proposed legislation and agree on resolutions for further action by the EU.

Political priorities 2020-2025 of the CoR are:

Priority 1 – bringing Europe closer to people: democracy and the future of the EU

Rethinking how democracy works today and how it must be modernised in the future in order for the European Union to answer more efficiently people's needs

Priority 2 – managing fundamental societal transformations: building resilient regional and local communities

Responding to the major transformations our regions, cities and towns are facing today through a coherent, integrated and local European approach.

Priority 3 – cohesion, our fundamental value: place-based EU policies

Putting the EU at the service of its people and their places of living; cohesion is not money, it is our fundamental EU value. kohezija nije novac već naša temeljna vrijednost EU-a.

More info about this year's assessment of the state of European regions and cities can be found here: https://cor.europa.eu/hr/our-work/Pages/EURegionalBarometer-2021.aspx

Source: https://cor.europa.eu/hr/about/Pages/default.aspx

On October 14th 2021 the Commission has adopted a formal proposal for 2022 to be declared the European Year of Youth. Europe needs a vision, involvement and participation of all young people in building a better future – future that is greener, more digital and more inclusive.

The Commission is currently developing its program of activities and intends to invite all stakeholders to contribute their ideas and suggestions. In the coming days, a survey will be launched on the youth portal for this purpose. The Commission, together with other EU institutions, Member States, civil society organizations and young people, will organize a range of activities throughout the year to consider new initiatives. These activities will cover the issues that occupy young people the most, in line with the priorities set out in the youth objectives, such as equality and inclusion, sustainability, mental health and well-being, and quality employment. Young people from outside the EU will also take part in them.

The Commission is inviting all Member States to appoint a national coordinator to be responsible for organizing their participation in the European Year of Youth.

Events and first activities should start in January.

The European Year of Youth will be closely linked to the successful implementation of the NextGenerationEU instrument, which will open up new perspectives for young people, including quality jobs, education and training opportunities for the future Europe, also, youth participation in society will be supported.The European Year of Youth will seek to achieve synergies and complementarities with other Union youth programs under different policies.

EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 is a framework for cooperation in the field of youth policy. It supports the participation of young people in democratic life and seeks to ensure that all young people participate in society.

Finally, the Conference on the Future of Europe, which will also draw its own conclusions in 2022, is an opportunity to hear the views and opinions of young people. Young people also make up a third of the participants in European Citizens' Panels and panel representatives at the plenary assemblies of the conference, in which the President of the European Youth Forum also participates.

Source: https://ec.europa.eu/croatia/news/commission_kick_starts_work_to_make_2022_the_european_year_of_youth_hr

The European Commission has 28.09.2021. disbursed 818m euros to Croatia for pre-financing under the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (RRF) of the Next Generation EU program. This amount represents 13% of the total amount of funds earmarked for Croatia under this new mechanism.

Croatia will receive a total of 6.3 billion euros. The European Commission will approve further payments based on the implementation of investments and reforms set out in Croatia's recovery and resilience plan.

The Croatian plan is part of the EU's unique response to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in order for the Union to emerge stronger from the crisis by fostering a green and digital transition and strengthening the resilience and cohesion of our societies.

Support is recognized for key transformative investments and reform projects, but not for “traditional” projects.

The RRF finances investment and reform projects that should strongly transform the Croatian economy and society. Among the main goals are: ensuring a green transition, supporting the digital transition, strengthening economic and social resilience.

President Ursula von der Leyen said on the occasion of the payment to Croatia stated: I am happy that Croatia will receive its first 818 million euros from the NextGenerationEU instrument. Croatia should receive a total of 6.3 billion euros, making it the largest recipient of funds from the Mechanism for Recovery and Resilience. The plan will support key measures that will contribute to building a greener and more digital future for all Croatian citizens. These include reforms and investments that promote energy efficiency, sustainable mobility and better connectivity, improve the digitalisation of the public and private sectors, and increase the efficiency of the judiciary. We are ready to help Croatia ensure the full implementation of the measures included in this ambitious plan.”

We remind you that Karlovac County, with the assistance of the Regional Development Agency of Karlovac County, since August 2020 has been actively involved in the preparation of priority projects for possible funding and within this mechanism and at the end of 2020, sent a list of 29 project proposals to the Ministry of Regional Development and EU funds.

 

More info can be found at: https://ec.europa.eu/croatia/news/nextgenerationeu_european_commission_disburses_pre_financing_payment_to_croatia_hr

https://www.ra-kazup.hr/vlada-rh-objavila-konacnu-verziju-nacionalnog-plana-oporavka-i-otpornosti-2021-2026-na-svojim-internetskim-stranicama/

On Friday, European Commission decided to register a European Citizens 'Initiative entitled "Returning Plastics: A Citizens' Initiative to Introduce a Reimbursable Fee System for Plastic Bottle Recycling at EU Level" (ReturnthePlastics). The organizers of the initiative call on the Commission to adopt a proposal for: introduction of a refund system for recycling plastic bottles at EU level, encouraging all EU Member States to introduce packaging acceptance devices in supermarkets (retail chains) that sell plastic bottles to recycle plastic bottles purchased and used by the consumer and the introduction of a plastic tax for companies producing plastic bottles, which will cover the costs of recycling and refundable systems for plastic bottles (according to the "polluter pays" principle). The Commission considers that the initiative is legally permissible because it meets the prescribed conditions, and has not yet examined its content. More information is available in an online press release - https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/hr/ip_21_4182

The European Commission today adopted a measure allowing farmers to receive higher advances under the Common Agricultural Policy. The measure will increase the flow of money to European farmers affected by COVID-19 and adverse weather conditions. Some regions were affected, for example, by floods. The Commission's measure will allow Member States to pay a higher advance on income support and some rural development programs, up to a maximum of 70% (50% so far) of direct payments and 85% (75% so far) of rural development payments. Measures to protect the EU budget are still valid, so these payments will be made after the verification, ie from 16 October 2021 for direct payments. For the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, the European Commission has provided assistance to the agri-food sector through flexibility and targeted market measures.

More info can be found here: https://ec.europa.eu/info/news/commission-adopts-measure-increase-cash-flow-farmers-2021-aug-04_en

Europe Direct Karlovac (ED Karlovac) on Thursday, July 15, solemnly marked the entry into the new generation of ED centers. Let us remind you that with the excellently evaluated project, ED Center Karlovac entered the new financial perspective 2021-2025. and secured work in Karlovac County for the next 4 years.

The ceremony took place in front of Aquatika, starting at 7 p.m. The piano concert was held by the Karlovac academic musician of the younger generation Veton Marevci, otherwise the conductor of the choir of the Croatian National Theater Split. With this, ED Karlovac wanted to support the creative industry, which is one of the hardest hit in the corona crisis. The entire promenade near Aquatika and the pontoon bridge were decorated in the sign of the European Union, and the head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia Ognian Zlatev, Karlovac County Prefect - Martina Furdek Hajdin, Mayor - Dmair Mnadicć and Deputy Director of the Regional Development Agency Karlovac County. Special guests at the event were also members of the EU Parliament - Mr. Tomislav Sokol and Advisor to the President of the Republic of Croatia - Mr. Velibor Mačkić.

ED Karlovac is an "extended arm" of the European Commission in Karlovac and Karlovac County, a link between citizens and the European Union, a place where citizens can get all information about the European Union, legislation, policies, programs and funding opportunities and European Commission priorities. The center will continue to work at the address of the Public Institution of the Regional Development Agency of Karlovac County, which is the holder of this project.

Future of Europe. It is a major pan-European democratic project, during which citizens have the opportunity to share their ideas and contribute to shaping a common European future. about the European Union, legislation, policies, programs and funding opportunities and European Commission priorities. The center will continue to work at the address of the Public Institution of the Regional Development Agency of Karlovac County, which is the holder of this project.

It is interesting that Europe direct Karlovac in Karlovac County has existed since 2013, and when it opened, it was the first such center in Croatia.

 

The conference of the future of Europe for ED Karlovac is the topic of all topics.

It is a major pan-European democratic project, during which citizens have the opportunity to decide how the European Union should develop and what its priorities should be. The Conference on the Future of Europe is in fact a series of debates led by citizens, and will allow people from all over Europe to share their ideas and contribute to shaping a common future.

An integral part of the Conference is a multilingual digital platform on which citizens can exchange ideas, connect, propose solutions, changes and initiatives and various activities. The platform is conceived as a new form of citizen participation in political decisions that affect the whole of Europe, and the opinions gathered in this way will be used in policy-making and determining the future direction of the EU. The platform is available in 24 languages ​​and can be accessed at: futureu.europa.eu.

In addition to panels and discussions, citizens will be able to participate in the work of the plenary assembly, in which 108 seats have been reserved for them. An equal number is intended for representatives of national parliaments and MEPs. The plenary assembly will be attended by another 54 representatives of the Council (two seats for each member state), three members of the European Commission, and representatives of the Committee of the Regions, the European Economic and Social Committee, the social partners and civil society. In this way, an inclusive and transparent discussion with citizens on a range of priorities and challenges is sought.

ED Karlovac plans to promote these ideas and encourage citizens to get involved in discussions during the Conference on the Future of Europe, because it is a project that highlights the ideas and initiatives of European citizens from all segments of society and all parts of the Union. play a central role in shaping the future of the European project.

Therefore, ED Karlovac plans to organize a literary competition in primary and secondary schools, where they would write about how they see themselves, their county and Europe in the coming period. The goal is for the information that there is a digital platform on which citizens can discuss and present their proposals to as many people as possible.

Because, the Conference on the Future of Europe is the largest deliberative democracy project in history. Through a structured and transparent process, citizens can directly influence the creation of European policies and thus decide what kind of Europe they want, instead of being involved in decision-making only once every five years - when elections to the European Parliament are held.

You can tell us your opinion on https://futureu.europa.eu/

From May 1, Europe direct Karlovac (ED Karlovac) , with an excellent project entered the new generation of ED centers and thus ensured the work as an "extended arm" of the European Commission for Karlovac County until 2025. Let us remind you, Europe direct Karlovac in Karlovac County has existed since 2013 and when it was opened, it was the first such center in Croatia, and many novelties were announced in the new perspective. The first novelty is already visible in the name, so the current Europe direct information center Karlovac (EDIC Karlovac) changed its name to Europe direct Karlovac. ED Karlovac is no longer just an information point, but wants to go directly among citizens, to schools, institutions and other organizations, in order to promote the priorities of the European Commission. The slogan under which it operates in the coming period is "Meet, ask and discuss".

In addition, in the coming period, larger funds are intended for it, and accordingly, more engagement is expected around the main priorities and tasks.

The five basic tasks that will be before ED Karlovac in the coming period are shown in the following graph.

By the end of the year, ED Karlovac will focus on two basic priorities of the European Commission: the European Green Plan and Europe ready for the digital age. The plan is to organize a series of events, workshops, forums and other activities, and it will inform citizens on a daily basis via social networks and the web.

You can contact Europe direct Karlovac via e-mail edickarlovac@ra-kazup.hr on the phone number 047 / 612-800 and via social networks Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

European Youth Week is an opportunity to discuss topics that are important to young people, present opportunities for EU support in the field of youth and share good experiences so far. It is the largest European gathering for youth and the youth sector in Europe. The main organizers are the National Agency for Erasmus + and the European Solidarity Force, as well as the Eurodesk network. European Youth Week 2021 will be held mainly at national level and online. d From 24 to 30 May, various interesting and inspiring events on the theme "Our future in our hands" will take place throughout Europe. We are building the future today, and you are the ones who set goals and can drive positive change. In addition, new EU youth programs are being launched this year, for the period 2021-2027. The new Erasmus + and European Solidarity Forces allow you to become more involved in society, contribute to green initiatives, acquire the digital skills you will need and be more inclusive and open to diversity.

Following the European Youth Week, one such event was also organized by the Karlovac Cinema Club in Karlovac. Young people had the opportunity to watch European films and the representative of Europe direct Karlovac gave a lecture on the topic of opportunities for young people and the programs offered by the EU to young people.

The lecture was held on the Small Stage on Friday 28.5. at 12:00 p.m. Young people got acquainted with the programs and asked questions about youth programs, and at the end the representative of ED Karlovac handed them promotional materials.

Europe Direct Karlovac (ED), the information office of the European Union, marked Europe Day and European Week last week. Europe Day is celebrated on May 9, in memory of the historic "Schuman Declaration" of 1950, and the week before is traditionally celebrated as EU Week.

EU Week opened at the Branko Čavlović Čavlek Stadium, where the players of NK Karlovac 1919 and NK Ilovac played a show match in blue and yellow jerseys. The representative of ED Karlovac handed them blue and yellow balls for the occasion so that everything would be in the spirit of Europe.

For the weekend (May 8 and 9) with a series of events at several locations, on May 8 and 9, ED Karlovac is once again to show its commitment to European ideas and policies. The central event took place on Saturday, May 8, at the Music Pavilion. Citizens could see an exhibition on the origins of the European Union, and video materials about its history and projects that were realized in Karlovac County with the help of European money were shown on the video wall. Family farms from the Karlovac County also took part in the celebration of Europe Day, and visitors were able to taste and get some products that many may not have even known were produced in the Karlovac area. This is, for example, the honey-berry spread of the Mance family farm, a honey-based product with the addition of chokeberry and elderberry, or the lavender soap of the Poturica family farm. There will also be flowers grown in the Dolinar Garden Center, which is another local product that is finding its way to the market.

In this way, Europe Direct Karlovac promotes the European Green Plan, one of the main priorities of the European Commission, which aims to achieve a sustainable economy by turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities. One of the strategies of this Green Plan is the "Field to Table" strategy, a measure that promotes a healthier and more sustainable food system, in which local family farms with their local, healthy products fit perfectly.

Ognian Zlatev, Head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia, Tomislav Sokol, Member of the EU Parliament, Deputy Director of the Karlovac County Regional Development Agency, Mayor Damir Mandić and Deputy Prefect Martina Furdek Hajdin congratulated the visitors at the Europe Day Music Pavilion.

The coast of the Korana near Aquatica was also marked by the European Union. This promenade was recently arranged as part of the EU project "Encounter with the River", and multimedia info-points were set up. On Saturday and Sunday, May 8 and 9, videos about the creation of the European Union were played on them. A congratulatory message on Europe Day was also played all weekend at the Trend TV building on Tržnica.

The last in a series of events was the screening of the Danish film Another Round, which visitors could watch on Sunday 9.5. at 7 p.m. This film is also this year's winner of the Oscar in the category of best foreign film and is currently a finalist for the LUX Audience Award, which is awarded by the European Parliament in cooperation with the European Film Academy. The screening of the film was organized by Kinoklub Karlovac and ED Karlovac supported the idea and joined with appropriate gifts and promotional materials.