June 5 (SeeNews) - The European Commission said Croatia needs to reinforce the budgetary framework and monitoring of contingent liabilities at central and local level, as well as to reduce territorial fragmentation of public administration and create functional distribution of competencies.
Additionally, Croatia should deliver education reforms by improving access to education as well as training at all levels, compliant with the quality and labour market relevance, the EU's executive body said in a country report on Croatia, part of its European Semester Spring Package 2019.
"Consolidate social benefits and improve their capacity to reduce poverty. Strengthen labour market measures and institutions and their coordination with social services. In consultation with the social partners, introduce harmonised wage-setting frameworks across the public administration and public services," are some of the recommendations to Croatia.
Croatia is advised to focus on investment-related economic policies, sustainable urban and railway transport, renewables, environmental infrastructure and energy efficiency. The Commission also recommended Croatia to increase the capacity of the administration in order to design and implement public policies and projects.
"Improve corporate governance in state-owned enterprises and intensify the sale of such enterprises and non-productive assets. Enhance the prevention and sanctioning of corruption, in particular at the local level", the Commission said.
The Commission also urged Croatia to reduce the court proceedings' duration and improve electronic communication in courts.