- Published: 06.10.2026.
Croatia and Hungary step up bilateral cooperation
The ministers focused their discussions on bilateral relations, economic and energy cooperation, security and defence, transport connectivity, and current European and international issues.
Grlić Radman underlined the importance of good-neighbourly relations between Croatia and Hungary and regular political dialogue, particularly amid heightened security and energy challenges in Europe.
“Hungary is one of our key partners in Central Europe. We discussed the economy and energy, defence and police cooperation, as well as important European and foreign policy issues. Our relations are most strongly underpinned by our people - business communities, scientists, national minorities, artists, tourists and people living in border areas,” Grlić Radman said.
The participants paid particular attention to energy security and the diversification of supply routes. They stressed the importance of the LNG terminal on Krk and JANAF, through which Croatia provides reliable supply routes to Central European countries.
Croatia stands ready to continue contributing to the secure and reliable supply of energy to Hungary and to put its infrastructure capacities at the service of greater diversification of energy sources and supply routes. The Hungarian side recognises the strategic importance of Croatia’s energy infrastructure and its role in strengthening regional security of supply.
In the context of defence and security cooperation, the ministers highlighted joint activities within the Multinational Division Centre in Hungary, as well as the participation of Croatian forces in NATO’s multinational battlegroup. They also commended the excellent cooperation between the two countries’ police forces in combating cross-border and organised crime.
As regards European and foreign policy issues, the ministers discussed EU enlargement, European security and stability in the Western Balkans, with particular emphasis on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Croatia and Hungary strongly support candidate countries’ progress towards EU membership, based on meeting the established criteria.
Both sides described the working visit as a strong impetus for intensified dialogue and more concrete work on issues of common interest. They agreed to continue discussions on energy, the economy, transport connectivity and security, as well as to maintain regular exchanges on global issues. The meeting also marked the beginning of renewed momentum in Croatian-Hungarian relations and set a clear framework for their further deepening.