How prepared is Croatia to access European Union regional policy funds? : the case of Istria

This paper analyses the characteristics of EU regional policy and emphasizes the component of regional policy towards the Central and East European countries (CEEC) in the phases of candidacy and their full membership. Special importance was given to the possibility of Croatia to absorb funds offered by the EU. Potentials of Croatian regions are illustrated through the case of Istria, which successfully uses funds provided by the CARDS program and projects of Community Initiatives. In order to prepare Croatia (and its regions) as best as possible for use of these funds, it is necessary to set certain development documents, establish and reorganize (reassign) some institutions and improve cooperation with the EU regions