After the conclusion of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the Republic of Croatia and the EU in October 2001, a new financial instrument CARDS (Community Assistance for Reconstruction, Development and Stabilisation) was introduced by the decree of the European Council as an assistance to reforms arising from this Agreement. CARDS programme was opened to Croatia in the period from 2000 to 2004, whereas the regional component of the programme was opened until 2006. Total allocation of the national component of the CARDS programme in the period from 2000 to 2004 amounted to € 262 M.

The objectives of the CARDS programme are to support the participation in the Stabilisation and Association Process and to fulfil the obligations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

Through the national component of the CARDS programme, Croatia financed 119 projects in total, in the field of democratic stabilisation, economic and social development, judiciary and internal affairs, strengthening of administration capacities, protection of environment and natural sources.

More on CARDS programme – Central Office for
Development Strategy and Coordination of EU Funds