Action plan – Zagreb, Croatia, 2024 – 2025

At-a-Glance

Duration

May 2025

Date Submitted

28th November 2024

Foreword(s)

We are proud to present Zagreb’s Action Plan as part of our participation in the Open Government PartnershipThe Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on improving government transparency, ensuring opportunities for citizen participation in public matters, and strengthen... More (OGP) Local program. Our Action Plan embodies our dedication to fostering a transparent, inclusive, and accountable government.

As representatives of the City of Zagreb, we aim to enhance transparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the pub... More by making government activities accessible to citizens. By providing timely information, we empower our community to engage in the democratic process. We are committed to promoting civic participation and ensuring public accountabilityAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, public accountability occurs when ”rules, regulations, and mechanisms in place call upon government actors to justify their actions, act upon criticisms ... More through responsible resource use and improved public services.
Our vision is a city where government activities are transparent, citizens actively engage in decision-making, and public resources are managed with the highest accountability. By making information accessible, we empower citizens to meaningfully participate in the democratic process.

Our Action Plan is a testament to the collaborative partnership with various non-governmental stakeholders such as civil society organizations, networks of professionals and organizations involved in evaluating projects, programs, and policies, academic institutions, public research institutes, and public associations. By actively seeking input from these stakeholders, we ensure our Action Plan is inclusive and addresses the diverse needs of our community.

A dedicated team oversees the OGP Local process, ensuring effective communication with the OGP Support UnitThe OGP Support Unit is a small, permanent group of staff that work closely with the Steering Committee and the Independent Reporting Mechanism to advance the goals of the Open Government Partnership..... Adequate budget allocation highlights our commitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action... to the co-creation, implementation, and monitoring of the action plan. Though the implementation is bound by the current administration’s term, we have selected two key commitments to prioritize: implementation of an E-Service for Participatory Budgeting and increasing transparency in service delivery through the publication of an online catalog.

Open Government Challenges, Opportunities and Strategic Vision

What is the long-term vision for open government in your context and jurisdiction?

The long-term vision of city development in Zagreb, as outlined in the City of Zagreb Development Plan 2021-2027, is to be a green, innovative, and sustainable city, a city of solidarity and equal opportunities. The main goals of this development plan include a green and resilient economy, social equality, quality and accessible social services, efficient and sustainable management of spatial and natural resources, and green transition and digital transformationGovernments are working to increase access to and quality of government services, improve transparency, and create opportunities for participation by using information and communications technologies.....

In terms of open government, with the priority of social equality and quality social services, our goal is to develop an effective participatory governance system. This includes the establishment and publication of a comprehensive city services catalog. This initiative aims to facilitate easier access to public services and greater transparency and efficiency. Under the priority of green transition and digital transformation, we aim to develop advanced communication infrastructure and the digital transformation of the city.

What are the achievements in open government to date (for example, recent open government reforms)?

Over the past three years, the City of Zagreb has implemented various impactful open government reforms:

• Open Government Initiatives: Launched an online platform allowing citizens to submit initiatives for spatial plans.
• E-Public Consultation: Developed an online platform for citizens to actively participate in public discussions on spatial plans.
• Digital Zagreb – Implementation of activities such as the digitization of city finances and internal processes of office operations.
• eScholarships – Developed an online platform that enables the online implementation of the City of Zagreb scholarship awarding process.
• iTransparency – Developed an online platform that provides citizens with a transparent insight into the budget of the city.
• Zagreb Smart City Hub: Developed a centralized platform integrating data from diverse city databases, offering user-friendly dashboards for citizens and stakeholders to access and analyze information on smart projects.
• Anti-Corruption Platform “Whistleblower”: Established a platform to protect public interest by encouraging reporting on unethical practices and illegal conduct.
• Co-financing open dataBy opening up data and making it sharable and reusable, governments can enable informed debate, better decision making, and the development of innovative new services. Technical specifications: Polici... projects: Initiation of the de minimis support program for co-financing projects utilizing open data.
• E-Consultations – Implemented an information system to digitize and improve the process of open consultation with the public on general acts or strategic or planning documents of the city.

What are the current challenges/areas for improvement in open government that the jurisdiction wishes to tackle?

Current areas for improvement in open government that the City of Zagreb wishes to tackle, in terms of OGP’s 2023-2028 Strategy identified open government areas, are digital governanceAs evolving technologies present new opportunities for governments and citizens to advance openness and accountability, OGP participating governments are working to create policies that deal with the ... and public participationGiving citizens opportunities to provide input into government decision-making leads to more effective governance, improved public service delivery, and more equitable outcomes. Technical specificatio....

In the realm of digital governance area, the city plans to enhance the accessibility of public services by integrating them into a unified online platform. This platform will not only provide up-to-date information on public services but also facilitate streamlined access to these services. By consolidating service information and making it easily navigable, the city aims to improve user experience and operational efficiency.

Also, actions and reforms that fit within the scope of the public participation area are implementing an e-service platform for public participation which will strengthen civic engagement, promote transparency, and ultimately enhance the democratic governance framework in the city.

What are the medium-term open government goals that the government wants to achieve?

The medium-term open government goals for the City of Zagreb in digital governance are to make key data, such as public service information, publicly available in the form of a catalog of services published on the official city’s website and other digital platforms. A key objective is to make essential data, such as public service information, readily available to the public.

In public participation, city goals include implementing an e-service platform to enhance citizen involvement in governance. The city plans to empower citizens to influence the allocation of public funds within their districts through participatory budgeting, where residents identify challenges, propose solutions, and vote on projects. These efforts aim to foster civic engagement, promote transparency, and improve the democratic governance framework by addressing district challenges and enhancing residents’ quality of life.

How does this action plan contribute to achieve the Open Government Strategic Vision?

This action plan contributes to achieving the Open Government Strategic Vision by addressing key areas identified in the OGP’s 2023-2028 strategy. In the digital governance area, making key data, such as public service information, publicly available aligns with the vision of enhancing transparency and accountability. Furthermore, the development of websites that utilize open data promotes innovation and supports the use of open data for the public good, advancing the strategic goal of leveraging technology for improved governance. In the public participation area, the implementation of an e-service platform and participatory budgeting empowers citizens to have a direct impact on governance processes. This aligns with the strategic vision of fostering inclusive participation and ensuring that citizens have a voice in decision-making.

These initiatives aim to enhance civic engagement, improve transparency, and strengthen democratic governance.

How does the open government strategic vision contribute to the accomplishment of the current administration’s overall policy goals?

The open government’s strategic vision of open governments working in partnership with civil society and people to strengthen democracy and deliver better societal outcomes aligns closely with the current administration’s goals in Zagreb. Prioritizing transparency, the administration ensures residents have clear and understandable information about government actions, building crucial trust and accountability for effective governance.

Moreover, fostering citizen participationAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, citizen participation occurs when “governments seek to mobilize citizens to engage in public debate, provide input, and make contributions that lead to m... More in governance processes allows diverse perspectives to shape policies that directly address community needs and priorities, enhancing decision-making, innovation, and responsiveness in public service deliveryTo ensure that citizens of all groups are better supported by the government, OGP participating governments are working to improve the quality of and access to public services. Commitments in this are.... Collaboration with civil society and the private sectorGovernments are working to open private sector practices as well — including through beneficial ownership transparency, open contracting, and regulating environmental standards. Technical specificat... harnesses expertise and resources to tackle challenges like sustainable urban development and environmental conservation, aiming to improve Zagreb’s overall quality of life and make it more resilient, equitable, and prosperous for all residents.

Engagement and Coordination in the Open Government Strategic Vision and OGP Action Plan

Please list the lead institutions responsible for the implementation of this OGP action plan.

• Information System and Technical Service
• City Office for Municipal Self-Government, Transport, Civil Protection and Safety
• Office of the Mayor

What kind of institutional arrangements are in place to coordinate between government agencies and departments to implement the OGP action plan?

The implementation of the OGP Action Plan involves coordination among key entities responsible for various aspects of the initiative.

• The Information System and Technical Service supports digitalization and open government projects, coordinates with OGP Local bodies and civil society organizations, manages the online catalog of city services, and provides IT support for developing the e-system used in participatory budgeting.
• City Office for Municipal Self-Government, Transport, Civil Protection, and Safety ensures that residents can participate in the budgeting process, identifying local needs, proposing solutions, and voting on projects.
• The Mayor’s Office, specifically its web section, oversees the online catalog of city services, ensuring that the catalog is up-to-date, comprehensive, and user-friendly.

What kind of spaces have you used or created to enable the collaboration between government and civil society in the co-creation and implementation of this action plan? Mention both offline and online spaces.

To enable the collaboration between government and civil society in the co-creation and implementation of our action plan we have utilized both offline and online spaces.

Also, we use ZgForum, a space managed by the City of Zagreb, open for various activities that encourage communication with the public. It’s a place for public discussions, and informational events designed to promote dialogue between citizens and city officials.

Furthermore, the City of Zagreb pilot project for participatory budgeting in four districts features public forums where citizens, NGOs, and local school and kindergarten directors discuss self-governance, project funding, and the participatory budgeting process. Future forums will engage citizens in project evaluation and selection, with voting available online and at district offices.

What measures did you take to ensure diversity of representation (including vulnerable or marginalized populations) in these spaces?

To ensure diversity of representation, including vulnerable or marginalized populations, we implemented the following measures:

1. Transparent Communication: Publishing information about the application process, membership acceptance, action plan adoption, and implementation progress in accessible formats to ensure all citizens can engage with these updates.
2. Community Engagement, in turn, which includes:

• Meetup – ZGBit: Gathering technology enthusiasts to discuss digitalization best practices, share experiences, and create sustainable software solutions.
• Public forums: Promoting engagement of citizens in project evaluation and selection.
• Media: Promoting the project to raise broader awareness through a press release.
• Association of Cities: Presenting the project to foster cooperation among local governments and promote common interests.

These measures ensure diverse groups remain informed and engaged throughout the process.

Who participated in these spaces?

In co-creating the OGP’s action plan in Zagreb, a diverse group of stakeholders participated to ensure inclusivity. Key participants included city offices and departments responsible for governance, digitalization, and public service delivery. Civil society organization GONG also contributed insights and expertise in civic engagement and open governance. Media and public forums, such as meetups, raised awareness and encouraged participation.

Likewise, academic institutions and public research institutes, like the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing and the Institute of Public Finance, enriched discussions with their expertise. Croatian Evaluators Network, a network of professionals involved in project and policy evaluation, also contributed. Additionally, associations such as the Association of Cities the Association for Open Systems, and the Internet shared their knowledge in municipal governance, transparency, and digital accessibility.

How many groups participated in these spaces?

6

How many public-facing meetings were held in the co-creation processCollaboration between government, civil society and other stakeholders (e.g., citizens, academics, private sector) is at the heart of the OGP process. Participating governments must ensure that a dive...?

10

How will government and non-governmental stakeholders continue to collaborate through the implementation of the action plan?

Government and non-governmental stakeholders will continue to collaborate through the implementation of the action plan by maintaining ongoing communication, fostering partnerships, and ensuring inclusive participation between city offices and civil society organizations, networks of professionals, and organizations involved in evaluating projects, programs, and policies, academic institutions, public research institutes, and public associations. Regular meetings will be organized to review progress, address challenges, and adjust strategies as needed.

Please describe the independent Monitoring Body you have identified for this plan.

The Independent Monitoring Body, the Institute of Economics, Zagreb, is an independent research institution that serves as a monitoring body, with a strong focus on local development politics. Its researchers analyze and evaluate local development policies, strategies, and programs while providing consultancy services to both private and public sectors for economic impact assessments. The Institute collaborates extensively with research bodies, government entities, local agencies, civil society organizations, and international institutions to foster sustainable development.

The Independent Monitoring Body oversees the implementation of the City of Zagreb’s Action Plan by monitoring progress, reviewing city administration reports, and providing feedback. It also evaluates the effectiveness of the Action Plan’s measures and offers recommendations for improvement based on its monitoring activities.

Provide the contact details for the independent monitoring body.

• Sunčana Slijepčević, Senior research fellow, Head of Department for Regional Development, sslijepcevic@eizg.hr
• Dubravka Jurlina Alibegović, Senior research fellow in a permanent position, djurlina@eizg.hr

What types of activities will you have in place to discuss progress on commitments with stakeholders?

We’ll use email to keep stakeholders updated on OGP action plan progress, sharing detailed reports, milestones, challenges, and proposed solutions. Stakeholders can respond with feedback, questions, and suggestions, ensuring efficient communication, informed stakeholders, and ongoing dialogue to promptly address issues.

We’ll use MS Teams for virtual communication to monitor our Action Plan commitments. This involves creating teams, sharing information, using a planner for tracking progress, and holding regular video meetings to review OGP commitments, give updates, address challenges, and gather real-time feedback. MS Teams supports interactive discussions and document sharing, promoting transparency in implementation.

In-person, monthly meetings with city offices and departments handling municipal governance, digitalization, and public service delivery will complement virtual efforts.

How will you regularly check in on progress with implementing agencies?

We will use email updates and in-person meetings to regularly track progress on Action Plan commitments and maintain detailed records of meetings, documentation, and other relevant information to ensure oversight and accountability. Key indicators will include meetings held with the lead implementing agency, public services added to the service catalog, citizen participation in e-participatory budgeting, and accepted proposals, including those approved for municipal financing. Targets include designing the service catalog within the City’s Business Process RepositoryAccess to relevant information is essential for enabling participation and ensuring accountability throughout the OGP process. An OGP repository is an online centralized website, webpage, platform or ..., conducting 16 qualitative and 16 quantitative analyses, and publishing the Service Catalogue on the City’s website. Metrics such as citizen-submitted and accepted proposals will measure engagement and outcomes.

How will you share the results of your monitoring efforts with the public?

We will share the results of our monitoring efforts with the public through various channels. Updates and reports will be published on our official website, ensuring easy access to detailed information about progress and achievements related to the OGP action plan. Additionally, we will use popular social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to reach a broader audience and engage with stakeholders. These channels will allow us to communicate transparently, keep the public informed about our initiatives, and encourage feedback and participation in the open government processes.

Our partners will contribute to report preparation and dissemination through their websites and social channels. Additionally, results will be presented at meetups, conferences, or webinars. The Association of Cities will assist with presenting results and publish them through its newsletter.

Endorsement from Non-Governmental Stakeholders

• Oriana Ivković Novokmet, Executive Director, GONG
• Marijana Sumpor, Coordinator of the Croatian Evaluators Network, CEN – Croatian Evaluators Network
• Mihaela Bronic, Researcher, Institute of Public Finance, IPF – Institute of Public Finance
• Jadranka Lovrić, Senior Business Project Manager, FER – Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing
• Andrei Zvonimir Crnković, Vice President, Croatian Association for Open Systems and Internet, HrOpen – Croatian Association for Open Systems and Internet
• Marko Ercegović, Advisor, Association of Cities in Croatia, ACC – Association of Cities in Croatia

Commitments:

• Increasing transparency in service delivery through the publication of an online catalogue.
• Implementation of an E-Service for Participatory Budgeting.

Zagreb Smart City Framework Strategy
City of Zagreb Development Plan- Until the End of 2027