Europe Asia News

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic delivered a speech at the World Forum for Democracy, held at the Palais de l'Europe in Strasbourg, France.

Plenkovic stated that Croatia, which is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its membership in the Council of Europe, had transformed into a stable European democracy through reforms implemented after the War of Independence. He noted that the Council of Europe had supported Croatia and its people 30 years ago and that the country had seized that opportunity to carry out institutional reforms.

Plenkovic recalled that Croatia is now a member of the European Union (EU), NATO, the eurozone and the Schengen Area, adding that its accession process to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is also ongoing.

Addressing current challenges facing Europe, Plenkovic emphasized the need to strengthen multilateralism, democratic resilience, the rule of law and human rights in the face of disinformation, hybrid threats and rapid technological change. He stated that support for Ukraine would continue.

Plenkovic said Croatia supports the European prospects of its neighboring countries, particularly Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that this process should be based on each country's own achievements. Noting that citizens' trust in institutions must be earned through tangible results, he identified combating illegal migration and safeguarding energy security among his priorities.

Plenkovic stated that Croatia's experience of democratic transformation demonstrates that such change is possible even after deep social divisions. He said Croatia would continue cooperating with the Council of Europe and protecting shared European values, including peace, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.