On November 5, 2024, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman attended the Croatia Business Summit in Zagreb, organized by The Economist. The summit, themed "Strengthening Optimism and Resilience in Unpredictable Times," brought together prominent officials, leading experts, and representatives from the academic community to discuss the economic challenges facing Croatia and Europe amid current geopolitical tensions.
Key Takeaways
- Emphasis on regional cooperation and Euro-Atlantic integration.
- Importance of EU and NATO presence for stability in Southeast Europe.
- Need for robust EU assistance to combat external influences and hybrid threats.
Importance of Regional Cooperation
During his address, Minister Grlić Radman underscored the necessity of building resilience and stability in the southeastern neighborhood. He highlighted that Croatia is committed to supporting these countries on their path toward regional cooperation and Euro-Atlantic integration.
"For Croatia, a stable and secure region is imperative," Grlić Radman stated, urging neighboring nations to diligently implement necessary reforms. He pointed out that a strong and active presence of the European Union and NATO is crucial for the stability of Southeast Europe.
Addressing Economic Challenges
The summit served as a platform for discussing the economic challenges that Croatia and Europe are currently facing. Grlić Radman cautioned that without substantial EU assistance—including financial support, technical expertise, and a unified security policy—Southeast European countries remain vulnerable to external influences and hybrid threats.
He elaborated on how these hybrid threats, often stemming from authoritarian regimes, pose serious risks to essential societal segments, including democratic institutions, economic systems, and social cohesion.
Croatia’s Role in Promoting Democratic Values
As a member of the European Union, Croatia plays a leading role in promoting democratic values, peace, and good neighborly relations. Grlić Radman noted that Croatia is the only EU country financing an anti-disinformation project under its National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
He also announced the recent launch of a new central platform aimed at publishing verified information, which is a significant step in combating misinformation and enhancing public trust in democratic institutions.
Conclusion
The Croatia Business Summit highlighted the critical need for regional cooperation and the importance of EU and NATO support in ensuring stability in Southeast Europe. Minister Grlić Radman’s remarks reflect Croatia’s commitment to fostering a secure and resilient region, emphasizing the need for ongoing reforms and collaboration among neighboring countries.
Sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia – Minister Grlić Radman attends The Economist Croatia Business Summit, Ministarstvo vanjskih i europskih poslova RH.
- Ministarstvo vanjskih i europskih poslova RH – Ministar Grlić Radman na The Economist Croatia Business Summitu, Ministarstvo vanjskih i europskih poslova RH.
