Naslov
Is regional consolidation in Croatia necessary?

Autori
Drezgić, Saša

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u zbornicima skupova, cjeloviti rad (in extenso), znanstveni

Izvornik
Global instability reflections / Pinterič, Uroš ; Camelia Iancu Diana ; Pandiloska Jurak, Alenka - Ljubljana : Vega, 2009, 303-314

ISBN
978-961-92649-3-5

Skup
First international Slovenian Social Sciences Conference

Mjesto i datum
Portorož, Slovenija, 23.10.2009. - 25.10.2009

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
regional consolidation; Croatia; fiscal capacity; fragmentation

Sažetak
Croatia’s decentralization efforts can be characterized as a very slow process made by ad hoc steps that are based on inappropriate and over-fragmented territorial organization. Main driving force of the decentralization process in Croatia was more in political and democratic reasons then in fiscal and economic aspects of this process. That is unfortunate because Croatia has basis for relatively high level of decentralization. In comparison with other EU transition economies it can be stated that Croatian economy is developed above average. In addition, size of the public sector equals almost half of the gross domestic product. Ironically, too much of territorial fragmentation presents obstacle for further decentralization. Further transfer of financial and administrative power in such circumstances would be harmful. Current territorial organization setup does not allow to counties to exercise their role as a middle tier of government. Such division created bureaucratization and over-excessive administration that increases the inefficiency of the government sector. Furthermore, regional fragmentation has economic consequences in unequal development of areas within boundaries of regions (counties). Several regions are much more developed from the rest of the country. Low fiscal capacity of regional governments leads to conclusion that convergence of regional development is possible only by the intervention of central government. Therefore possible reforms have to be considered. It is important to mention that issue of regional consolidation in Croatia was actual even in the former country. Nowadays, when regionalization is general tendency in European countries it is even more legitimate to reconsider the potential reforms. After introduction, basic features of territorial organization of Croatian regions (counties) will be described. Principles of formation of Croatian regions are presented and basic economic and demographic indicators are given in order to depict economic consequences of present territorial division. Part three briefly describes role of regional governments in Croatia imposed by regulative framework. In the forth part fiscal aspects of system of intergovernmental relations in Croatia are presented. Brief conclusion is given at the end.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

POVEZANOST RADA