DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF VUKOVAR-SRIJEM COUNTY 2021-2027

ON THE STATE OF DEVELOPMENT IN VUKOVAR-SRIJEM COUNTY

Proactive action in the form of preparation of development projects is one of the main backbones of Vukovar-Srijem County. Through projects, the balanced development of all parts of the county is supported, cooperation between all relevant development stakeholders is encouraged and support is given to all initiatives that contribute to the socio-economic progress of Vukovar-Srijem County.

The basis of economic development of Vukovar-Srijem County consists of the following strategic sectors: agriculture and food processing sector, forestry and wood processing sector, renewable energy sources, continental tourism, and information and communication technologies. The location, as well as the existing railway and waterways, are significant potentials on the basis of which the county is being positioned as a significant transport and logistics centre in the future, and in the addition to the existing natural beauty and cultural and historical heritage, they also enable a significant development of continental tourism, which is currently in the first beginnings of development.

The basis for defining strategic direction is the vision of development that perceives Vukovar-Srijem County as a place of competitive, innovative, sustainable and green economy that orients itself towards a society of high digital readiness, recognisable traditional and tourist identity and safe, employed and satisfied population. The vision of development is aligned with the vision of The National Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia, and is directed towards key development priorities. It is also aligned with national values and principles, focused on key areas of interventions at local and regional level, and clearly describes the desired achievement.

The responsibility for cooperation of all stakeholders in society lies with each individual and each institution, and can be initiated from any position. However, the responsibility of regional and local self-government is perhaps the greatest – they have the strongest means for initiating the cooperation and its sustainability, they need to define priorities, connect participants and coordinate activities. In doing so, one should be guided by a common interest and a common goal – the economic development of the region and the creation of an environment in which everyone, especially young people, will want to stay and live.

VUKOVAR-SRIJEM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 2021. – 2027.

In December 2022, at the 15th Session of the Vukovar-Srijem County Assembly in Vinkovci, the Resolution on the adoption of the Vukovar-Srijem County Development Plan for the period 2021-2027 was adopted. The Development Plan of Vukovar-Srijem County for the period 2021-2027 is the most important medium-term strategic planning act that determines the goals of the comprehensive development of Vukovar-Srijem County, in accordance with which regional policies will be implemented for the purpose of developing the entire community. The Development Plan of Vukovar-Srijem County is aligned with the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030, and represents a framework for the utilisation of EU funds. It was drafted on the basis of the Act on System of Strategic Planning and Development Management of the Republic of Croatia (OG 123/17), and according to the Manual on Strategic Planning (Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds of the Republic of Croatia, Version 3.0). The Development Plan is adopted by the County Assembly in accordance with the principle of partnership and cooperation after previously obtained opinion of the Partner Council of the Vukovar-Srijem County.

For the Development Plan of Vukovar-Srijem County, a Strategic Environmental Assessment and an Ecological Network Impact Assessment were carried out, both for which were given positive opinion by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development.

The key stakeholders involved in the creation of the Development Plan are:

Vukovarsko-srijemska županija, nositelj izrade koji aktivno sudjeluje u svim fazama.

Vukovar-Srijem County Development Agency, as a regional coordinator is authorised to develop the Development Plan in accordance with the Law on Systems of Strategic Planning and Development Management of the Republic of Croatia (OG 123/17), and the Law on Regional Development (OG 147/14, 123/17, 118/18), and with the accord of the Prefect of Vukovar-Srijem County.

Strategic Planning Teamwas appointed by the accord of the Prefect of Vukovar-Srijem County from the employees of the Vukovar-Srijem County Development Agency, representatives of Vukovar-Srijem County’s administrative departments, and representatives of other key county’s stakeholders. The team participates in all stages of the development of the Development Plan.

The Working Group was appointed by the accord of the Prefect of Vukovar-Srijem County from the employees of the Vukovar-Srijem County Development Agency, and representatives of other key development stakeholders of the County. The working group participates in all phases of the Development Plan, and is divided into thematic working groups as follows: Society Thematic Working Group, Development Management Thematic Working Group, Economy Thematic Working Group, and Landscape and Environment Thematic Working Group.

The Evaluation Team was appointed by the accord of the Prefect of Vukovar-Srijem County from the employees of Vukovar-Srijem County, and companies whose founder is the County. It participates in all phases of the Development Plan, and evaluates the implementation of the Development Plan during development, implementation, and after the implementation.

The Evaluation Committee was appointed by the accord of the Prefect of Vukovar-Srijem County. It consists of representatives of Coordination Body (Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds), representatives of Coordinators for Strategic Planning of competent authority and external members (scientific sector, and a member of the Croatian Chamber of Economy – County Chamber Vukovar). The Evaluation Committee participates in all phases of the Development Plan, monitors the work of the Evaluation Team, and evaluates the implementation of the Development Plan during the development, implementation, and after the implementation.

External Evaluation Expert is an expert in the evaluation of strategic planning acts with unique work experience in terms of evaluation and monitoring the preparation and implementation of strategic planning acts. The evaluation procedure shall be carried out during the preparation of the Development Plan, during its implementation, and in the period after its completion. The evaluation shall be carried out by experts who are functionally independent of the authorities responsible for the preparation and implementation of strategic planning acts.

The Partnership Council is an advisory body composed of representatives of the public, civil, and business sectors; representatives of state administration bodies, local and regional self-government units, economic entities, the scientific community, social partners, and civil society organisations. It discusses, presents opinions and proposals on the strategic planning act during its preparation, drafting and implementation.

The County Assembly adopts the Development Plan in accordance with the principle of partnership and cooperation of key stakeholders from the Vukovar-Srijem County, after obtaining the opinion of the Partnership Council, taking into account the need to ensure balanced development of all parts of the county.