Analysis

Croatia focuses on defence ahead of EU presidency

Ahead of its presidency of the Council of the European Union which begins on January 1, 2020, Croatia is focusing on the implementation of defence initiatives including the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), as well as enhancing relations between the EU and NATO, especially in Southeast Europe.

“The existing co-operation framework provides solid ground to implement the desired level of ambition,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević after meeting with the European Defence Agency’s (EDA) executive director Jorge Domecq. “It takes additional efforts to ensure coherence, as well as the co-operation of all relevant stakeholders.”

The Croatian defence industry is recognised in the international market for its specialised, high-quality products, demonstrated by the fact that Croatian soldiers are fully equipped with the domestic-made equipment and weapons.