Croatia backs EU enlargement at SEECP ministerial meeting in Sofia

Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman took part in the meeting of foreign ministers of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Sofia.

Minister Grlić Radman participated in the sessions “A Shared Compass for a Stable, Secure and Sustainable Region - 30 Years of Regional Ownership and European Aspiration” and “Strengthening Regional Unity for a Stable, Secure and Sustainable Future - Reflecting on 30 Years of Partnership and Progress,” CE Report informs via the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs' official website.

In his address, the minister emphasized that over the past three decades, SEECP has confirmed its value as a platform for political dialogue, mutual trust, and regional responsibility. He said it has played an important role in fostering inclusive cooperation, reconciliation, and strengthening the European perspective of Southeast Europe.

He further stressed that Croatia will continue to support the enlargement of the European Union to the Western Balkans, as well as to Ukraine and Moldova, and that Croatia is ready to continue providing assistance and expertise.

He urged all Western Balkan countries to remain fully committed to the process by fulfilling established criteria, implementing reforms, aligning with EU policies and fundamental values, and maintaining good neighbourly relations. He also noted that the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat sent a strong political message that the Western Balkans remains high on the agenda and that their future lies within the EU.

Croatia’s economic and trade cooperation with SEECP countries remains strong and continues to develop across many areas. In 2025, 27% of Croatia’s total trade was conducted with SEECP member states, and foreign trade in goods exceeded 19 billion euros. Most Croatian bilateral development aid is directed toward Western Balkan countries, with a focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflected in the largest infrastructure project in the country’s history — Corridor Vc.

Croatia also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing work on sustainable and resilient infrastructure and energy solutions across all sectors. The importance of the recent Three Seas Initiative Summit and Business Forum in Dubrovnik was also highlighted, showing strong interest in strengthening regional energy connectivity and strategic cooperation in infrastructure projects such as the Ionian-Adriatic gas pipeline.

Photo Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs