"Croatia's membership of the EU is fast approaching. Once that takes place, our regional policy will be the country's main source of investment in growth and jobs and the main instrument to deliver the EU's Europe 2020 agenda," Hahn said in a statement.

The EU commissioner is scheduled to meet with Croatian government officials in Zagreb on Tuesday to discuss Croatia's preparations for the use of EU funds.

"We need to make sure ordinary people in Croatia feel the benefits of that as soon as possible through the efficient and effective use of cohesion funds. Our policy is also undergoing radical reform to make it more focused on fewer priorities, designed to deliver the maximum impact. Croatia, like all EU member states, has to take up the challenge now and start planning strategically for the next 2014-20 period. I am personally ready to help in whatever way I can, which is why I am in Zagreb this week," Hahn said.