Category: News

On the occasion of the 12th anniversary of Croatia's membership in the European Union, EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka organised the exhibition “Rijeka for Europe – Europe for Rijeka” at the Rijeka Korzo.

The exhibition provides an overview of the concrete and visible benefits of Croatia’s membership in the EU, with a special emphasis on projects carried out in Rijeka and its surroundings – those closest to the citizens, the most tangible and the most valuable.

Following last year's exhibition on the benefits of the European Union's single market, this year's exhibition is another step forward in bringing European policies closer to everyday life. Through simple, accessible and visually powerful views, visitors can see how European funds and initiatives directly affect our city – from infrastructure, digital transformation and youth mobility, to social inclusion and education.

Over the past 12 years, Rijeka has undergone an exceptional transformation with the help of EU funds: schools, kindergartens and homes were renovated, cultural and technological infrastructure was developed, public transport was modernised. But, The exhibition highlights that European funds are not just investments in buildings and roads, but investments in knowledge, people and the future – in citizens of all generations..

5 years of Europe Direct Rijeka – concrete results and public recognition

EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka has achieved in the last five years:

• 76+ events in the city and region
• thousands of citizens included through workshops, quizzes, forums and school visits
• manifestation “Sea meets – EU Beach Cleanup” with over 200 volunteers, including 60 divers
• Torpedo Days – seven annual editions linking innovation, sustainability and the community
• tour on the EU Single Market the Korzo
• design Eugene, a recognised communicator who presented EU topics to citizens in a clear and close way

Forward looking: New mandate and new objectives

Now, at the turn of the new cycle, EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka is preparing to apply for a second five-year term.

The goal remains the same: Even more accessible, clearer and more concrete communication with citizens. It is planned to strengthen the digital presence, include new social groups and introduce new formats such as augmented reality in educational activities.

We invite you to take a walk through Korzo and find a story about how The EU and Rijeka are building a better future together! The exhibition will be open by 15 July 2025

As climate change intensifyes, so do the challenges faced by communities across Croatia. One of the most immediate threats is the increasing frequency and severity of flash and storm floods that can disrupt everyday life, damage homes and overburden local infrastructure. But efforts are being made across the country, especially in vulnerable areas, to reduce these risks and protect people, property and the environment.

Why Flooding is Important

Unlike large river floods, torrential and storm floods often occur without warning. They are caused by intense rainfall in a short period of time, and most often affect small rivers, streams and urban storm drainage systems. In mountainous and mountainous areas such as Gorski Kotar, Lika and parts of the Dalmatian hinterland, rainwater can quickly flow down the slopes into narrow valleys, flooding streams and canals. Urban areas such as Rijeka or Split are also at risk, especially when outdated drainage systems cannot withstand sudden showers.

Climate change in Croatia: key risk factor

Croatia is already experiencing longer periods of drought and more intense storms. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and national climate projections confirm that southern and coastal parts of Croatia are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, including localised flooding. The new climate reality puts a heavy burden on our water management systems and increases the urgency of strengthening disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies at all levels – from state to local communities.

What is being done?

Croatia does not stand with its hands crossed. Numerous national and regional programmes help reduce the risk of flash floods and storm floods:

1. Improving the monitoring and early warning system
   Hrvatske vode, the national water management body, manages an increasing network of hydrological and meteorological sensors that monitor water levels in real time.
2. Green infrastructure and nature-based solutions
   In line with EU policies, Croatia invests in sustainable flood protection that cooperates with nature. Restoring wetlands, preserving natural floodplains and planting vegetation along watercourses slow down runoff and reduce negative effects downstream. These nature-based approaches are often more cost-effective – and beneficial for biodiversity – than conventional concrete solutions.
3. Raising awareness and community readiness
   Public campaigns and school programmes help citizens understand what to do in case of sudden flooding. Local authorities, civil protection and volunteer fire brigades regularly conduct exercises and training in flood-prone areas.
4. Transnational cooperation
   Croatia is an active partner in European projects aimed at strengthening flood resilience across borders. For example, initiatives under the Interreg IPA ADRION programme and the Danube Transnational Programme help to develop common tools, training and coordinated flood response plans in the Adriatic-Ionian and Danube regions.

Local stories, real impact

In Rijeka, where Rječina can move from peaceful to terrifying in an instant, the pilot project helps the city anticipate flash floods through real-time data, digital flood risk scenarios and connection to a transnational decision support system (DSS). This is a crucial step towards a more resilient and better prepared urban space in addressing climate risks.

View in advance

Fighting flash floods and storm floods is not just a technical issue – it is a question of community resilience. By combining smart planning, modern technologies and local knowledge, Croatia is building a more prepared and sustainable future. But everyone has a role to play. Whether you are an entrepreneur, farmer, engineer, student or parent – understanding risks and being informed in a timely manner are the first steps in protecting our families and neighbourhoods.

Want to know more?

See your municipality's or city's website for information on flood zones and emergency procedures. Also, you can follow news from Hrvatske vode, the Directorate of Civil Protection and EU projects such as URBANFLOODS, for the latest information and innovations in flood risk management.

Dana 28 September 2022, Rijeka was hit by a devastating torrential flood caused by heavy rain. Unfortunately, in this flood life was lost by one person who was taken down the street by a powerful torrent.

“When it rains, it really rains – but it doesn’t have to end up in the flood if we're ready.”

We wish you a happy and blessed Easter, filled with peace, joy and communion.

The new VAT scheme for SMEs entered into force on 1 January 2025.

This initiative introduces a simplified VAT framework for small businesses across the EU, helping to reduce compliance burdens and open up new cross-border opportunities.

Key benefits of the VAT scheme for SMEs:

• VAT exemption for eligible SMEs: businesses can sell goods and services free of VAT, which simplifies the complexity of work.
• Simplified registration: a single registration procedure in the home Member State allows businesses to benefit from VAT exemptions in other Member States.
• Reduced scope of compliance obligations: SMEs can benefit from consolidated quarterly reporting and simplified accounts, depending on the Member State.

Eligibility and flexibility:

The scheme applies to small businesses based in the EU with a total annual turnover in all 27 Member States not exceeding EUR 100,000. Companies must also meet the national thresholds set by the Member States in which they intend to apply the exemption.

Non-EU companies are not eligible for the scheme. Participation in the scheme is voluntary and SMEs can adapt it to their needs.

Tools and support for SMEs:

To support businesses in the transition to the new programme, the European Commission has launched VAT SME Portal with the following resources:

• Country-specific details of national thresholds and implementation.
• Information to help companies determine whether they are eligible.
• Centralised database for validating EX numbers issued to SMEs under the programme.

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Together, we shape sustainable solutions and create the foundations for growth, competitiveness and innovation.

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