Croatia to raise defence investment toward 3.5% of GDP by 2035

Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković met in Brussels with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, with whom he discussed preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, further strengthening Croatia’s defence capabilities, the crisis in the Middle East, and the security situation in Southeast Europe.

The Prime Minister stressed that Croatia is allocating more than 2% of GDP to defence and, through further investment in the modernisation of the Armed Forces, aims to reach the goal of 3.5% of GDP for defence and 1.5% for related activities by 2035, CE Report informs via Croatia's government website.

As a reliable and active ally, he noted that Croatia continues to contribute to NATO missions and operations, including KFOR and forward land forces activities. In a changing security environment, he added, the importance of NATO’s integrated air and missile defence was highlighted as essential for protecting allies from aerial and missile threats from any direction.

“We strongly stand with Ukraine and continue to provide comprehensive support, and Croatia will continue its financial contribution within the framework of the PURL initiative,” Plenković said.

The Prime Minister will also take part in a two-day European Council meeting in Brussels and is scheduled to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tomorrow.

Photo Croatia's government website