- Published: 22.02.2023.
State Secretary Metelko-Zgombić meets with German Minister of State Lührmann
Both officials expressed satisfaction with the very good bilateral relations and the prospects of their deepening, given Croatia’s entry into the Schengen Area and the eurozone. They agreed on the importance of linking Croatia and Germany economically, notably in the energy sector (Krk LNG Terminal, renewable resources), and discussed the prospects of cooperation in sustainable tourism. They also underscored satisfaction with cooperation between the universities of Zagreb and Regensburg. In addition, Metelko-Zgombić and Lührmann exchanged views on the topics on the agenda of the General Affairs Council, political situation in the six Western Balkan countries, enlargement policy, and migration. Metelko-Zgombić informed Lührmann about Croatia’s support to said countries on their European path so they could move forward, in line with individual merit, with the transformation process. The two officials also exchanged views on institutional reforms in the EU, following the closure of the Conference on the Future of Europe. Wrapping up their meeting, Metelko-Zgombić and Lührmann reflected on the issue of responsibility for war crimes in Ukraine, particularly the crime of aggression, which is being debated on in the EU and beyond.