Croatian Members of the European Parliament clashed over the use of public funds for a hotel on Ugljan Island, financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan with a value of five million euros. Green Party MEP Gordan Bosanac criticized the project as an example of poor use of European money, while HDZ MEPs, including Sunčana Glavak and Nikolina Brnjac, defended the investment as part of a sustainable tourism and regional development strategy. The debate highlighted differing views on the transparency and effectiveness of EU fund usage and the importance of supporting the economy during the pandemic.
Political Perspectives:
Left: The left-leaning perspective, represented by the Green Party MEP Gordan Bosanac, emphasizes concerns about transparency and accountability in the use of EU funds. It criticizes the allocation of public money to private commercial projects without clear indicators of success or proper oversight, framing it as an example of mismanagement and poor prioritization.
Center: The centrist view tends to focus on the balance between economic development and responsible use of funds. It acknowledges the need for investments in tourism and regional development while calling for transparency and efficiency. This perspective often highlights the importance of strategic leadership and reform to ensure funds achieve their intended goals.
Right: The right-leaning perspective, represented by HDZ MEPs, stresses the importance of supporting the economy, especially during the pandemic, through investments in sustainable tourism and infrastructure. It defends the use of EU funds as a necessary tool for regional development and economic resilience, emphasizing achievements and strategic planning in utilizing the Recovery and Resilience Facility.