Croatian PM names major EU security challenges at Davos Forum
Speaking at a panel on redefining Europe’s role in the world, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said that the global order and international relations are changing extremely rapidly, making it essential for the European Union to take a clear position.
“The only sure way for the European Union to maintain relevance on the international stage is to act as united as possible,” Plenković said at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
He cited as an example changes in the international order the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump to take control of Greenland, which sparked new tensions within transatlantic relations, CE Report quotes HINA.
Plenković reminded that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had previously stated that the EU’s response would be united, unwavering, and proportional, while European Council President Antonio Costa convened an extraordinary EU leaders’ summit regarding the Greenland situation.
The Croatian prime minister said the purpose of the summit was to strengthen support for Denmark while maintaining good relations with the United States.
“Despite communication tensions, the U.S. remains an ally and a friend. I do not see that any of the 27 EU members have changed this stance,” Plenković said.
As an additional security challenge, he pointed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, stressing the importance of remaining on the side of Ukraine, freedom, democracy, and international law.
Plenković reiterated that Croatia strongly supports EU enlargement but warned that the EU could change its approach to the process, particularly if enlargement becomes part of a broader geopolitical solution to the war in Ukraine.
According to him, such a development could open the door to countries in Southeast Europe, which, he said, is of strategic importance to Croatia, with particular emphasis on Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Speaking about possible Ukrainian membership, Plenković emphasized that it would have a significant impact on the EU budget and internal balance, but that Ukraine can contribute greatly to European security and defense.
“Today, the Ukrainian army has unique combat experience in defending the country and Europe, which no one else possesses on this scale,” Plenković said.
Foto: Vlada RH
