Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Marko Primorac and World Bank (WB) Director for the European Union (EU) Anna Akhalkatsi signed on Wednesday 28 January a EUR 100 million loan agreement between Croatia and the WB to strengthen disaster preparedness and institutional, physical, financial, and social resilience. According to a joint statement by the Ministry of Finance and the WB, the Development Policy Loan with a Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (DPF Cat DDO) will enable the state to better manage the fiscal and social impacts of disasters, rapidly mobilize resources in emergencies, and support a resilient recovery.“This loan of EUR 100 million marks an important step in Croatia’s ongoing efforts to improve its preparedness and resilience to disasters. It also provides us with key tools for better management of the fiscal consequences of natural disasters and for a rapid and effective response in emergency situations,” Primorac emphasized in a statement conveyed in the announcement, adding that by strengthening institutions, upgrading infrastructure, and promoting financial protection measures, the state aims to safeguard the population, enhance resilience, and support continued economic development.For her part, Akhalkatsi said the project will strengthen Croatia’s emergency response capacity, protect people and jobs, and support the Government’s efforts to build a safer and fairer state with stronger institutions.“The project also supports the efforts of the Government to build a safer and fairer state, in which institutions are better equipped to manage risks and provide the necessary protection to the population,” said Akhalkatsi.     Meanwhile, the joint statement by the Ministry of Finance and the WB notes that this is the first loan of this kind granted to Croatia, focusing on three areas: national reforms to improve infrastructure management and strengthen institutional capacity, reforms in key sectors such as energy, tourism, and housing, and measures that promote disaster risk insurance and support the recovery of vulnerable population groups. The loan has a duration of three years and can be rapidly drawn in the event of a disaster to supplement budget reserves and provide bridge financing until other funding sources are mobilized, as part of the WB Crisis Toolkit aligned with Croatia’s partnership framework through 2030. In addition, the toolkit gives Croatia access to the Rapid Response Option (RRO), allowing the reallocation of up to 10% of undisbursed funds from existing WB-financed projects to meet urgent recovery needs. (ICE ZAGABRIA)

Fonte notizia: HRT online edition 28/01/2026