United States ought to remain steadfast in its engagement with Europe, according to Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, as expressed during our interview.
Title: Croatian PM Plenković Emphasizes US Commitment, Defense Strategy
In a revealing chat with our platform, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković emphasized the significance of the US' steadfast support for Europe amidst political turbulence during the second Trump administration.
With the White House's support to allies becoming less predictable since the start of the second term, many European leaders have raised doubts about the US' commitment to transatlantic solidarity. Nevertheless, Plenković underscores the importance of US engagement in European affairs and institutions like NATO.
"The United States should remain committed to Europe, to the transatlantic partnership, to be a factor of stability and peace on our continent," shares Plenković. He further underscores the pivotal role of NATO, which he believes should carry on being a guarantor of collective security for another 75 years.
Despite concerns about fluctuating US policy, Plenković voices confidence in NATO's current trajectory. He emphasizes escalating defense spending across the alliance, including Croatia's commitment to invest 2.1% of its GDP and 30% of modernization in defense equipment.
Croatia's procurement strategy isn't limited to American military technology. The country is actively broadening its strategy to include both Eastern and Western defense technologies, with the aim to foster interoperability and long-term resilience. To this end, it has upped its defense budget by more than three times, and aims to invest even more in the future.
Recently, Croatia completed its squadron of 12 French Rafale fighter jets, enhancing its air defense capacity. It has also provided €300 million in military assistance to Ukraine since the full-scale Russian invasion in early 2022, a move Plenković explains was in defense of Ukraine and as part of a broader stand for European freedom.
In a recent regional development, Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo signed a defense agreement to boost military capacity, advance technology, and improve interoperability through joint training. This move has sparked criticism from Serbia, which does not recognize Kosovo's independence. However, Plenković doesn't see this as "any type of threat to Croatia" and emphasizes the importance of respecting national borders and adhering to legal norms within Europe.
Plenković highlights the EU integration process as the unifying factor for the continent. "The European path is the glue for the functioning of all the countries in the right direction, fostering reforms, and benefiting citizens," he states. A sincere dialogue and continuous trust-building, according to Plenković, are essential to maintaining European stability.
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Incorporating Enrichment Data:
Title: A Closer Look at Croatia's Defense Strategy
Croatia is actively modernizing its armed forces through substantial investments in both American and European military technologies. This strategic approach aims to bolster national security and address evolving security challenges.
Key Components of Croatia's Defense Strategy
- Increased Defense Spending: Croatia plans to increase its defense budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% by 2030, exceeding NATO's current targets.
- Acquisition of Modern Technologies: New acquisitions include Rafale fighter jets from France, which replace Soviet-era MiG-21s, and the RBS15 Mk3 anti-ship missile to extend Croatia's coastal strike capability.
- Howitzers and Defense Industrial Complex: Croatia is also investing in modern howitzers and developing its own defense industrial complex.
- Participation in International Defense Events: Croatia's active participation in defense events, like ASDA 2025, demonstrates its commitment to modernizing its military.
- Introduction of National Service: While controversial, reintroducing national service is being considered as part of Croatia's broader defense strategy.
Implications and Future Directions
- Regional Impact: Croatia's increased defense spending and modernization efforts may impact regional dynamics, particularly in the Western Balkans, where new defense initiatives are being discussed.
- International Cooperation: Croatia's engagement with European partners and participation in international defense events underscores its commitment to strengthening alliances and enhancing its defense posture.
- The Croatian Prime Minister, Andrej Plenković, highlighted the significance of US engagement and NATO's role in European affairs, emphasizing the importance of US commitment to Europe and NATO as a guarantor of collective security.
- In accordance with its defense strategy, Croatia has undertaken substantial investments in both American and European military technologies, aiming to bolster national security and address evolving security challenges.
- Key components of Croatia's defense strategy include increased defense spending, reaching 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% by 2030, the acquisition of modern technologies like Rafale fighter jets and RBS15 Mk3 anti-ship missiles, investments in modern howitzers, and the development of a defense industrial complex.
- Additionally, Croatia participates actively in international defense events like ASDA 2025, demonstrating its commitment to modernizing its military and fostering interoperability with allies. While reintroducing national service is being considered, this move has not yet been finalized as part of Croatia's broader defense strategy.
