The project will finance the reconstruction of the existing track and the construction of the second track on the section Križevci - Koprivnica to the state border with Hungary to be implemented by HZ Infrastruktura (HZI). This large scheme represents an allocation under the EIB operation "Railway Development Framework Loan Croatia 2022-0660", signed in 2024.

The revitalisation of the existing railway infrastructure will improve national railway resilience and contribute to enhance connectivity of people and/or goods.

The project will relieve important capacity constraints an TEN-T line for freight and passenger services on two corridors (Baltic Sea - Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean). Upon completion, electrified double tracking, new signalling, straightening a curve and rehabilitation works will generate more and faster capacity on the line from Krizevci to the border with Hungary.

This will support a strategic transport project in the railway sector in Croatia, developed under the responsibility of the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure (MSTI). These will contribute to the portfolio of the EIB framework loan and its impact towards Croatia's continued socio-economic development, enhancing railway development and therefore creating better connectivity.

The Bank's support for this project realises significant benefits in terms of favourable financing terms (long, aligned with the economic life of the financed railway assets, grace, bullet repayment option, flexible disbursement tranches). This project is one of several allocations realised, confirm the original expectation that the Bank's participation would enhance Croatia's absorption capacity of funds in railway assets.

Where and if applicable, and based on a risk-based approach as defined in the EIB Group's environmental and social policy, the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2011/92/EU (as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU), Birds Directive 2009/147/EC and Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC will be checked during appraisal.

The promoter shall ensure that contracts for implementation of the project have been tendered in accordance with the applicable EU procurement legislation, Directive 2014/25/EU as well as Directive 92/13/EEC as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU, with publication of tender notices in the EU Official Journal, as and where required.