Pusić and Steinmeier talk Europe, energy, region

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Pusić 14 January in Berlin met with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier ahead of the Croatian-German Forum

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Pusić 14 January in Berlin met with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier ahead of the Croatian-German Forum. The two ministers discussed bilateral issues, Southeast Europe and Europe’s future political profiling, which will have a direct impact on the future EU enlargement as well.

Other topics included the Southern Mediterranean and the prospect of Croatia and Germany cooperating on energy projects. “A year ago, there was no Croatia on the energy map, while today it is one of the more important points. Germany is our valuable partner in that area,” Pusić said.

Pusić thanked Steinmeier for organizing the Croatian-German Forum, which gathered not only ministers and officials, but experts from the ministries and private sector as well. Pusić said she was convinced the forum would be a success and grow into regular annual meetings between Croatian and German representatives.

Talking about Bosnia and Herzegovina, Steinmeier said that despite the international community’s efforts to stabilize the country there was no room for regret and that new solutions ought to be sought to improve its functioning. Pusić added that Bosnia and Herzegovina was important for Europe's stability. “Bosnia and Herzegovina’s prospects are improving with more, not less Europe. We will continue to work towards that end, guarding and strengthening the country’s European perspective. We have agreed that this is the way to go,” Pusić said.

The two ministers also discussed the European Arrest Warrant, with Pusić underlining that Croatia was conducting procedures aimed at solving the whole case within the European and Croatian judicial framework. “Regardless of the outcome of the procedure, it will in no way affect Croatia's relations with Germany or the European Commission,” she said. 

Press releases