On 8-9 March, Croatian islands from all parts of the coastline took a first active step in advancing their clean energy transition with the involvement of local authorities, citizens, local businesses and academia.
In a two-day workshop, more than 40 participants from five Croatian islands and the mainland met to learn more about practical steps for developing the clean energy transition on islands, and to start working on their own transition agendas. The workshop was organized by the EU Islands Secretariat, in cooperation with the cities of Cres and Mali Lošinj, the OTRA Island Development Agency, the local action group LAG Kvarner Islands and the Island Movement.
The event was hosted by the Mayor of Mali Lošinj Ana Kučić, the Mayor of Cre Kristijan Jurjako and the Director of the OTRA Island Development Agency Ugo Toić. Visitors from outside the islands included State Secretary of the Croatian Ministry of Environment and Energy Ivo Milatić, Croatian MEP Tonino Picula and Member of the County Council of Primorje Gorski Kotar, Đanino Sučić.
As part of the 26 islands selected for support by the Clean Energy for EU Islands Secretariat, four Croatian island communities will be working together to develop their island-wide transition agendas over the coming year. The four communities are the Cres-Losinj archipelago and Brač, Hvar and Korčula.
The positive dynamics at the workshop strengthened its impact in sharing knowledge and experiences on the clean energy transition, and in building a strong collaboration between the different island stakeholders. Make sure to check out our photo gallery below for a live impression!
Moving forward, an expert team of the Clean Energy for EU Islands Secretariat will support the islands with advice, guiding materials and webinars on the clean energy transition, project financing and community engagement among others, as well as networking opportunities such as EU-wide island forums and technical fairs.
Stay tuned for our next events!
The Croatia workshop was the first of a series of 10 workshops to be carried out by the Secretariat. The next workshop will take place in Greece (see here for more information and registration).
From 14-16 May, the 3rd Clean Energy for EU Islands Forum will take place in Stockholm/Mariehamn. It will be an opportunity for island communities to connect with other islands and island experts, learn about creative clean energy technologies for islands, and find new inspiration for their transition. Make sure to register as quickly as possible!
View our photo gallery below