The contract for the EUR 9.56 million strategic project "LIFEGATE" was awarded
On Wednesday, Minister of Regional Development and European Union Funds Nataša Mikuš Žigman participated in the kick-off conference of the strategic project Linking International Facilities for Early Detection and Global Access to Treatment and Evaluation - LIFEGATE, which is being implemented within the framework of the Interreg Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro 2021 - 2027.
This is a project worth 9.56 million euros, the aim of which is to create conditions for reducing mortality from cardiovascular and malignant diseases in the project border area, through the implementation of an early detection programme and improving treatment.
The project leader is the University Clinical Hospital Mostar, and the partners are the Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, the Clinical Centre of Montenegro, the Clinical Hospital Split, the Public Health Institution Institute of Public Health of Republika Srpska, the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro, the Faculty of Medicine Banja Luka and the University of Banja Luka.
Before the start of the conference, Minister Mikuš Žigman, together with Minister of Health Irena Hrstić, visited the University Clinical Hospital Mostar and presented the contract for the allocation of 8.1 million euros in grants for the implementation of this project to its director Ante Kvesić. The awarding of the contract was also attended by State Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Development and European Union Funds Domagoj Mikulić.
Minister Mikuš Žigman emphasized that cross-border cooperation projects are important not only because they stimulate development and improve the quality of life of citizens in border areas, but also because they are an excellent tool for networking, exchanging experiences and acquiring new knowledge.
In the previous financial period, the EU invested more than 50 million euros in 59 projects through this trilateral cooperation, in which 249 partners from all three countries participated.
"In this programming period, we have taken a step further by deciding to increase the amount of funds allocated to the program, so we now have more than 117 million euros available for new
development projects. In addition to the strategic project LIFEGATE aimed at improving healthcare, there is also the INEREP project, which deals with reducing the risk of hazards and improving the capacity of emergency services in the fire protection and rescue sector, and the SATECON project, which is aimed at improving agricultural competitiveness in the border area of the three countries, as well as numerous other projects that will contribute to the economic growth and development of this area," emphasized Minister Mikuš Žigman.
She reminded that since 2021, the Ministry has also been implementing the national Cross-Border Cooperation Program between the Republic of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, through which more than 300 projects worth more than 12 million euros have been contracted so far.
"The Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Regional Development and European Union Funds will continue to focus on strengthening border areas and supporting cross-border cooperation projects, which strengthen competitiveness and encourage the activation of all stakeholders to work together for the benefit of our citizens," concluded Minister Mikuš Žigman.