The third session of the National Council for Sustainable Development, an advisory body to the Government of the Republic of Croatia, was opened by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković
On Thursday, 20 November 2025, Island Movement representatives participated in the third session of the National Council for Sustainable Development of the Republic of Croatia, a body that plays a key role in shaping national policies on sustainable development and the green transition.
In the selection process for civil society representatives on the Council, only three organisations were chosen among numerous applicants. Island Movement is one of them, and it is represented in the Council by Maja Jurišić and Paula Bolfan.
This membership holds special importance for us, it confirms that the voice of islanders, who are often the first to feel both the consequences and opportunities of the green transition, is not only heard but equally valued.
Green Transition as a Foundation of Sovereignty and Resilience
The session opened with the topic of the green transition as a foundation of national sovereignty, economic resilience, and improved living standards.
The presented data again highlighted how heavily Croatia depends on imported energy sources:
- 89% of oil, 69% of gas, and 100% of coal come from abroad
- 51% of total energy consumption comes from fossil fuels
- 40% of energy consumption is attributed to buildings, with high losses due to inefficiency
For the islands, where energy challenges are more pronounced and every change is felt immediately , these figures are especially significant. This is why the participation of the Island Movement in the Council is crucial: island communities live daily with the realities of high dependency on external energy, inefficient infrastructure, and increasingly severe climate impacts.
Social Plan for Climate Policy 2026–2032
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, Marija Vučković, presented the new Social Plan for Climate Policy, worth €1.7 billion, which is entering public consultation.
The Plan includes:
- strengthening the domestic construction and transport sectors
- support for innovative green entrepreneurs
- development of affordable and energy-efficient mobility
- promotion of electric vehicles and rooftop solar systems
- dedicated support for vulnerable groups
Consultation sessions will also take place across cities in Croatia, which the Island Movement sees as an important opportunity for island communities to express their needs and share firsthand experiences.
Energy Communities as a Key Tool for Local Transition
Thanks to years of advocacy and on-the-ground work, energy communities are now positioning themselves as one of the key elements of the green transition and sustainable growth in Croatia.
Among the key investments announced were:
- €4.65 million to support the establishment of energy communities
Energy communities are one of the pillars of the Island Movement’s work, a model through which citizens and local communities gain an active role in energy production and management. On islands, where a sense of connection and community is naturally strong, this model has exceptional potential.
Program 4D and Building Renovation: Significant National and Local Potential
State Secretary Josip Bačić presented Program 4D, which includes:
- reducing energy consumption from fossil fuels
- increasing energy efficiency
- investing in the renovation of buildings
Among the planned investments, key highlights include:
- renovation of more than 20,000 family homes
- revitalisation of multi-residential buildings
- investments in public facilities, including those damaged in the earthquake
- an additional €300 million for buildings not affected by the earthquake
For island environments, where homes are often old, exposed to wind, sun, and high humidity, these measures can bring real, tangible improvements to neighbourhoods and settlements that have struggled with inadequate infrastructure for years.
The Importance of the Island Movement’s Participation in the Council
Island Movement’s membership in the National Council for Sustainable Development confirms that islands are recognised as equal partners in shaping national policies, and shows that the knowledge, experience, and dedication of island communities are valued.
The Island Movement brings to the Council:
- experience of working directly with local communities
- understanding of the specific challenges faced by small, isolated, and climate-sensitive regions
- the perspective of citizens, grassroots initiatives, and local actors
- expertise in the green transition, energy communities, and sustainable practices
This membership also makes it possible to adapt national measures to real-life community needs, because sustainability must not remain an idea “from above,” but something that works in the smallest community, on every island and in every street.
Engaged, Present, and Active
The Island Movement continues to actively participate in the work of the National Council and advocate for:
- a fair and inclusive green transition
- energy self-sufficiency of islands
- the development of sustainable mobility
- transparency and openness in national decision-making
- strong involvement of communities and citizens in policy processes
Islands have the knowledge, experience, and vision, and deserve to be part of every conversation about Croatia’s future. The Island Movement will continue working to ensure that this voice remains clear, courageous, and present.
Author: Paula Bolfan
Photo: Paula Bolfan