The Government has dismissed Ivan Bota from the head of the Directorate for Regional Development

The Government of the Republic of Croatia has dismissed Ivan Bota from the position of Director of the Directorate for Regional Development in the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, effective September 8, 2026, due to the expiration of his term. The decision was made based on the authorities from the Act on the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the Act on the State Administration System, and the Civil Servants Act, and was published in the Official Gazette (Narodne novine) No. 102/2026 of September 14, 2026, as Decision No. 1238.

The decision was signed by the Prime Minister mr. sc. Andrej Plenković, and bears the classification mark UP/I 080-02/26-02/31 and registry number 50301-15/28-26-2, with the date of issue September 4, 2026, in Zagreb.

Legal Basis for Dismissal

The dismissal was carried out based on Article 31, paragraph 4 of the Act on the Government of the Republic of Croatia (“Official Gazette”, No. 150/11, 119/14, 93/16, 116/18, 80/22, and 78/24), Article 46, paragraph 2 of the Act on the State Administration System (“Official Gazette”, No. 66/19 and 155/23), and Article 50, paragraph 1 of the Civil Servants Act (“Official Gazette”, No. 155/23).

• Ivan Bota was dismissed from the position of Director of the Directorate for Regional Development
• The dismissal takes effect on September 8, 2026
• Reason for dismissal: expiration of term
• Deciding body: Government of the Republic of Croatia

Role of the Directorate for Regional Development

The Directorate for Regional Development is a key body within the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds responsible for the implementation of regional development policy and the management of funds from European Union funds. The Directorate participates in the preparation and implementation of programs and projects aimed at balanced regional development, including support for less developed areas and islands.

Given that it is a body that coordinates the use of European structural and investment funds, a change at the head of the Directorate has a direct impact on the dynamics and implementation of EU projects in Croatia. Dismissal due to the expiration of a term is part of the regular personnel cycle in the state administration, after which the appointment of a new director is expected.

Significance for Readers

The dismissal of the Director of the Directorate for Regional Development is important for all EU fund users, local and regional self-government units, and entrepreneurs who depend on regional development programs. A change at the head of this body may affect the continuity of project implementation and fund disbursement deadlines; therefore, the public will closely monitor the appointment of a new director.

Decision No. 1238 on the dismissal of the Director of the Directorate for Regional Development in the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, Class: UP/I 080-02/26-02/31, Reg. No: 50301-15/28-26-2, Zagreb, September 4, 2026 — published in the Official Gazette No. 102/2026 of September 14, 2026.