Prime Minister Andrej Plenković opened yesterday's 12th session of the Government, reflecting on several current topics from the past week.

In Sisak, a meeting of the Government was held with county prefects, representatives of the Association of Cities and the Croatian Association of Counties.

During the meeting, 32 contracts worth a total of 13 million euros were awarded, intended for tourism, regional development, and waste management, said Prime Minister Plenković.

He emphasized that numerous important topics were discussed, including the reconstruction after the earthquake in Banovina and Zagreb, assistance in mitigating the consequences of weather disasters, the fight against climate change, as well as education and health.

He also highlighted the decision to start the school year on September 9, instead of September 2, according to the proposal of the coastal counties, which was accepted by all.

Marking the 29th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica
Today marks the 29th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica. Prime Minister Plenković reminded that, according to the Resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, this date is marked as the International Day of Remembrance for the Genocide in Srebrenica.

"This Resolution reminds us of more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys who were killed in Srebrenica. We sympathize with their families and loved ones. We advocate for a culture of remembrance and paying tribute to the victims, and we oppose the denial of genocide and the glorification of those who committed it," said Plenković.

He emphasized that we must not allow such a crime to be used for daily political purposes or as an attempt to cover up what happened 29 years ago.

Economic growth and record employment
Speaking on economic topics, Prime Minister Plenković reported that Croatia currently has 1 million and 745 thousand insured persons, which is the highest number of employed people ever.

This is 65 thousand more compared to the same period last year, added Plenković.

He reminded that many international and financial institutions predict Croatia's economic growth between 3 and 3.5 percent this year.

Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem as a priority
Last week, the Government continued with the priority project focused on the five Slavonian counties by holding a session of the Council for Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem in Jakšić.

The Prime Minister reminded that through the Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem Project, more than 3 billion euros have been invested in these counties so far, while projects in the county seat cities are financed through the ITU mechanism.

"It is evident that these investments have a significant effect," he added.

He also visited the municipality of Bosnjaci, which was most affected by last week's storm. The county declared a natural disaster, and after assessing the damage, a request for financial assistance will be sent to the Government.

Croatia's status as an attractive bond issuer
Prime Minister Plenković highlighted the issuance of two bonds, one three-year with a target amount of 750 million euros and a yield of 3.3 percent, of which 158 million euros were subscribed by citizens, and the rest by institutional investors.

The second bond is a ten-year bond worth 1.25 billion euros, intended exclusively for institutional investors.

"Croatia has affirmed its status as an attractive bond issuer on the domestic capital market, which is another signal of confidence in the direction of economic and fiscal policy," said the Prime Minister.

Among important cultural events last week, the Prime Minister highlighted the opening of the Đakovo Embroidery Festival, the opening of the Evenings of St. Donatus in Zadar, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, and the Pula Festival.

At today's Government session, the Prime Minister emphasized amendments to the Law on Games of Chance, highlighting the importance of regulating the influence of these games, especially on young generations who are susceptible to gambling addiction.