ZAGREB, 25 Aug (Hina) – Croatia is acting as a mentor to countries seeking European Union membership, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in Zagreb on Monday. With your voice, experience and mediating role, you are key to enabling Europe to continue growing“ not just in the number of member states, but also in strength, unity and mutual respect, Wadephul said, praising Croatia.
At a press conference with Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, Wadephul said that Croatia was playing the role of mentor and intermediary to individual countries that may be next in line for EU enlargement.
The Christian Democrat underlined that he considered enlargement necessary, but that internal reform of the European Union had to come first to ensure it could function effectively.
The situation in the Western Balkans will show whether the EU fulfils its mission or retreats into nationalism, he stressed.
Wadephul said that cooperation between the two countries was closer than everВ and noted that Germany had not seen such growth in trade with any other EU member state.
Croatia’s accession to the EU demonstrated how a country can truly transform when there is determination and political will, and in that sense, Croatia is a model for many others, he concluded.
Grlić Radman expressed satisfaction that Zagreb has had for years a partner in Berlin who understands the importance of the European perspective for the Western Balkan countries. Both ministers emphasised that this is not only a technical process but also a geostrategic one, and that the countries concerned must align their political positions with European values.
The Croatian minister also praised the traditionally close and friendly relations between the two countries, reinforced by European integration, as well as the many personal ties between their citizens.
He thanked Germany for its support during the breakup of Yugoslavia and recalled the difficult moments of Croatia’s struggle for freedom and sovereignty.
Grlić Radman said that “colloquially, Croatia is Germany’s neighbour just around the corner” and welcomed the growing trust it enjoys among German citizens and travellers. “The Adriatic Sea is not only Croatian“ it is also German and European,” he added.
The Croatian foreign minister highlighted cooperation between the two countries’ defence industries, mentioning the modernisation of Croatia’s land forces through the acquisition of new Leopard 2A8 tanks, as well as the good example of cooperation between Croatian company DOK-ING and Germany’s Rheinmetall. Last year, the two companies signed a memorandum on the joint development of unmanned combat and non-combat systems.
Grlić Radman also spoke about the importance of ensuring Europe’s energy independence, mentioning a project to connect the LNG terminal on the island of Krk with Bavaria.
