This paper examines one of the most topical topics currently being discussed in Croatia. The topic of this paper is the European and structural investment funds and their utilization. It is very important to define the use of the European structural and investment funds and what they are specifically used for. The paper analyzes the utilization of EU funds in Croatia so far, as well as the specific causes of the relatively small percentage of utilization, for which many blame the system and the lack of coordination of public policies. Some of the criticisms even go so far as to declare that it is necessary to abolish the powers of the ministries in managing funds and tenders and to establish a supranational body composed of a number of experts, which, according to many, would lead to greater efficiency of the system. Although there is currently talk about funds in Croatia, many forget that even before Croatia became a member of the European Union, it had access to pre-accession funds of the European Union. The main goal of this work is to investigate the amounts that have been made available to Croatia over the past period of time and what are the causes of the poor absorption of the same funds from the funds intended for Croatia. The results of individual research indicate that the Republic of Croatia has contracted projects worth 13.73 billion euros, which is slightly more than 55% of the money available to us in two time periods. Although Croatia is ahead of 12 other members of the union in terms of utilization and contracted funds, it should be noted that almost 50% of funds from the funds are still not used.