Environmental protection in the world began in the middle of the twentieth century. Within the borders of the European Union as well as the Republic of Croatia, it experienced its beginnings in the eighties and nineties of the last century. The initiator of interest and appreciation of this crucial global problem was the United Nations Conference dedicated to environmental protection held in Stockholm in 1972. Orientation to the desired goals of environmental protection, promotion of sustainable development, economy and everyday life is carried out by national policies and strategies. One of the biggest questions today is sustainability and how to achieve it. The biggest initiative so far is the European Green Deal, which aims to achieve the green transition of Europe and climate neutrality by 2050. Considering the ambitious plan of the European Union, the number of strategies, programs and policies is increasing in order to facilitate the achievement of the desired goals. By implementing European and global goals into national policies and programs, the world becomes a community of equal goals and values. As a member of the European Union, the Republic of Croatia has available grants through programs, funds or other financial instruments. The goals are diverse and they cover every aspect of everyday life and needs of it. Sustainable financing is one of the most effective and representative choices of the twentyfirst century, given the possibilities it offers and the significant results that result from them. In this thesis the emphesis is on Union programs aimed at sustainability, development and preservation of the environment.