Croatia, Germany agree new 2026-2030 cooperation roadmap

Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman paid a working bilateral visit to the Federal Republic of Germany on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

During the visit, he met with Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul, Chairman of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee Armin Laschet, and Chairman of the Bundestag European Affairs Committee Anton Hofreiter, CE Report informs via the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs' official website.

In talks with Minister Wadephul, the two sides confirmed the very close, friendly, and partnership-based relations between Croatia and Germany, grounded in shared values, strong cooperation within the European Union and NATO, and intensive political dialogue. Germany is Croatia’s most important foreign trade partner and one of the key interlocutors in shaping European policies.

A particular focus of the meeting was the further deepening of bilateral cooperation. The signing of the Joint Declaration on Enhanced Cooperation between Croatia and Germany, along with its accompanying Action Plan for the 2026–2030 period, was highlighted. This provides a clear framework for strengthening cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, security, defence, and European affairs.

The ministers expressed satisfaction with the continuous growth of economic cooperation, emphasizing further strengthening of partnership in industry, digital transformation, and the green transition.

They also discussed current European and global issues, including the need to preserve the unity of the European Union and strengthen its resilience and strategic autonomy. The interlocutors agreed on the importance of further developing the European security and defence dimension, in complementarity with NATO, as well as strengthening the transatlantic partnership.

Regarding Southeast Europe, the importance of close Croatian-German partnership in promoting stability and the European perspective of the region was emphasized.

The need for continued reforms, strengthening of institutions, and consistent respect for European values was highlighted, along with joint support for the enlargement process as a strategic and geopolitical priority of the European Union.

The ministers exchanged views on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, reaffirming continuous and firm support for Ukraine and commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace based on international law and Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

They also discussed the situation in the Middle East, stressing the importance of avoiding further escalation and continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable solution and preserving regional stability, as well as ensuring the free flow of energy resources in accordance with international law and obligations.

In the area of security and defence, increasingly strong cooperation between Croatia and Germany was highlighted, including the development of defence capabilities and strengthening of the defence industry, contributing to the reinforcement of Europe’s defence technological and industrial base and overall European security.

During his stay in Berlin, Minister Grlić Radman also met with Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Armin Laschet and European Affairs Committee Chair Anton Hofreiter. The discussions focused on further strengthening parliamentary cooperation, current political developments in Europe, and key challenges in the EU’s foreign and security policy.

The interlocutors confirmed the importance of close coordination and cooperation between Croatia and Germany in addressing current geopolitical challenges and further deepening overall bilateral relations.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia