- Published: 24.01.2025.
State Secretary for Europe Andreja Metelko-Zgombić holds consultations with Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs Inês Domingos
The discussions focused on topics of mutual interest, including upcoming debates on the Multiannual Financial Framework, with an emphasis on cohesion policy, competitiveness, and EU enlargement policy, particularly regarding the Western Balkans. The meeting also addressed the enhancement of bilateral cooperation, especially in economic relations. Both sides confirmed their alignment on numerous European issues, including the future of cohesion and common agricultural policies, energy, migration, and demographics.
In foreign affairs, mutual interest was expressed in the regular exchange of experiences regarding Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Europe. At the end of the meeting, State Secretary Metelko-Zgombić handed her Portuguese counterpart, Domingos, a letter from Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman, inviting Portugal's Minister Paulo Rangel for an official visit to Croatia. Both sides expressed a shared desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation and intensify political consultations, with an emphasis on high-level exchanges.
During her visit to Portugal, State Secretary Metelko-Zgombić also met with Telma Faria, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on European Affairs, accompanied by several members of the committee, including former Minister of Labor Ana Mendes Godinho and former Minister of Internal Affairs José Luís Carneiro. The talks focused on the parliamentary dimension of bilateral cooperation. The State Secretary took the opportunity to convey Croatia’s desire for the Portuguese Parliament to establish a Portugal-Croatia Friendship Group as soon as possible, similar to the one already active in the Croatian Parliament's new session.
The conversation also touched upon the EU enlargement process and the significant transformative impact EU membership has had on both Croatia and Portugal. Particular attention was paid to EU enlargement in the Western Balkans as a guarantee of political stability and economic progress in Southeast Europe. Both sides emphasized a shared commitment to strengthening parliamentary relations, highlighting the importance of dialogue and exchanging views within the framework of the Friends of Cohesion group and MED-9.
During her stay in Lisbon, the State Secretary also paid a working visit to the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), headquartered in Portugal. EMSA provides EU member states with technical expertise and operational support to enhance maritime safety, pollution preparedness and response, and maritime protection measures. EMSA Executive Director Maja Markovčić-Kostelac briefed the State Secretary on the agency’s mission and main activities. During a tour of the facilities, she also showcased the advanced technology and equipment at EMSA's disposal.