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Croatia
>> Regional Overview >> Croatia Overview Activity Data Sheet
PROGRAM: Croatia
TITLE & NUMBER: Cross-Cutting Programs, 160-042
STATUS: New
PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $985,000 (AEEB)
PROPOSED FY 2002 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $1,150,000 (AEEB)
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 2001 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2006Summary: Four cross-cutting initiatives support USAID's overall assistance goal and influence the results under all strategic objectives (SO).
Program Categories include anti-corruption, information technology and telecommunications, human resource development, and environmental activities.
Key Results: The principal results expected are improved program coordination, and maximized cross-sectoral synergies.
Performance and Prospects: The Europe and Eurasia (E&E) Bureau is completing development of a regional anti-corruption strategy. In October 2000, the Mission commissioned an assessment of corruption in Croatia. Those findings, and a World Bank regional study, indicate that Croatia ranks in the middle range of countries on measures of corruption and perception of corruption, but that stemming corruption and improving safeguards for public integrity will be critical to Croatia's economic and democratic transition. It remains important to undertake fundamental reforms aimed at minimizing opportunities for corruption. The Mission will undertake a new cross-cutting initiative to promote public awareness about corruption, increase citizen demand for sound governance, transparency and accountability, and help the government meet its Stability Pact anti-corruption commitments. In FY 2001, USAID proposes to obligate $0.3 million for assistance to anti-corruption programs. In addition, anti-corruption efforts will be 'mainstreamed' within activities under all other SOs wherever such opportunities exist.
There is much that USAID can do to accelerate information and communications technology (ICT) development in Croatia. Some initiatives are already underway. USAID already supports use of ICT in various projects -- from court automation and development of independent media to equipping the government's Office of Displaced Persons and Refugees. Expanding and widening the ICT projects within the Mission's portfolio will benefit the Mission in its programs and Croatia in its development by stimulating Croatia's economy, strengthening the democratic process, and facilitating the revitalization of war-torn areas. In FY 2001, USAID proposes to obligate $0.1 million for crosscutting assistance to the ICT program under this SO. Specific activities are under development.
In FY 2000, the Mission expanded Croatian participation in the environmental program beyond its original focus on war-affected regions, opening up opportunities for businesses and local governments nationwide to compete for partnership grants under the E&E Bureau's regional EcoLinks program. In addition, USAID/Croatia participated in the regional inter-agency agreement with the Foreign and Commercial Service (FCS) of the Department of Commerce to initiate participation in the technology transfer and trade promotion activities of EcoLinks. USAID/Croatia will continue to participate in the regionally funded environmental partnership program for Europe and Eurasia. In keeping with USAID regulations, the Mission recently completed an assessment of Croatia's bio-diversity resources as part of its new Strategic Plan. Activities to strengthen protection of Croatia's unusually rich bio-diversity are being considered. In FY 2001, USAID proposes to obligate $0.15 million for environmental activities.
Training is a common activity across SOs and will continue throughout the strategic planning period. Most training is directly related to a particular SO and is budgeted accordingly. However, a modest training budget will be managed as a cross-cutting activity to permit training support to the cross-cutting anti-corruption, ICT and environmental activities and to permit flexibility. In FY 2001, USAID proposes to obligate $0.435 million for participant training and program support under this cross-cutting SO.
Beneficiaries: The beneficiaries of the other Strategic Objectives of the Croatia program are the beneficiaries of the crosscutting activities which support the programs in the aforementioned SOs.
Possible Adjustments to Plans: Further assessment and program development will be presented for USAID/Washington consideration, including a fuller SO framework.
Other Donor Programs: The European bilateral donors and the World Bank have also demonstrated interest in sectors where USAID plans to focus, but no specific initiatives are currently underway. The World Bank has recently announced its intention to develop a project loan for improved public administration and anti-corruption, and has asked USAID to consider financing related analyses and technical assistance.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: USAID will implement its new cross-cutting activities through U.S.-based NGOs and through buy-ins to regional or central programs.
Selected Performance Measures: Due to the cross-cutting nature of these activities, results are captured and reported on under other strategic objectives.
U.S. Financing
(In thousands of dollars)
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Last Updated on: May 29, 2002 |
