Croatia’s economy ministry on August 28 signed an agreement to launch a €285mn national broadband project aimed at expanding high-speed internet to rural regions, coastal areas and islands.

A government statement said the project, which is to be managed by the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure and technically implemented by state-owned broadcaster Odašiljači i veze (OIV), is intended to support digital transformation, boost regional development and strengthen national security.

The initiative, called the National Optical Infrastructure (NOI), will see the construction of 5,500 km of optical aggregation infrastructure across the country, connecting more than 1,000 settlements, the ministry said in a statement.

“With this project, we will enable citizens in rural and island areas to have equal access to fast networks and a better quality of life through better connectivity of schools, hospitals and other institutions,” Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar said at the signing ceremony.

The ministry said the programme would also open new opportunities for investment, entrepreneurship and small businesses, while providing the basis for the rollout of digital public services.

Mate Botica, president of OIV’s management board, said the project “covers the entire territory of the Republic of Croatia” and will enhance both economic potential and security for Croatia and the European Union.

The agreement marks a step toward a formal government decision declaring the broadband rollout a project of strategic national importance.