Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Saturday delivered an online lecture on Croatia’s foreign policy to the students and professors of University North.
In the opening part, Grlić Radman underlined the importance of long-term planning in foreign policy, as well as recognizing the historical moment and circumstances in which foreign policy is devised, shaped and implemented.
The minister then highlighted three groups of Croatia’s foreign policy goals: achieving independence and defending Croatia’s territorial unity and integrity (1990-1998); Euro-Atlantic integration as well as NATO and EU membership (1998-2013); strengthening Croatia’s international position and influence, as well as European and global "branding”, along with stabilizing the neighbourhood (2013-present).
“From 1990 until 1998, the Croatian diplomacy, thanks to the leadership of then-president Franjo Tuđman and recognizing the historical change in the system of international relations, achieved the most demanding goal: complete independence,” the minister said. In the period that followed, Croatia continued to develop in the Euro-Atlantic direction. By joining NATO and the EU, Croatia became an active participant in a unique historical and civilizational achievement on the European continent.
Reflecting on the modern period of Croatia’s diplomacy, Grlić Radman underscored the importance of adaptability in foreign policy. As an example of that flexibility, the minister highlighted Croatia’s Council of the EU presidency in the first half of 2020, which took place amidst the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. He recalled the commendations Croatia has gotten for the swift transition onto the “digital presidency” and for organizing a coordinated response of the member states to the crisis.
Concluding the lecture, Grlić Radman added that the Croatian diplomacy would continue to work on solidifying Croatia’s position. “We will continue to advocate multilateralism and to promote our interests within the EU, NATO and UN,” he said. Entering the eurozone, Schengen Area and the OECD were underlined as goals of special importance.
Finally, Grlić Radman stressed that Croatia was pushing for a peaceful, stable and prosperous neighbourhood, one that strives for EU and NATO membership and the values it symbolizes. In that context, he reflected on Bosnia and Herzegovina and the status of the Croats in the country. “Caring for the status of Croats in the neighbouring countries, especially Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a constitutional obligation and a precondition for building stable surroundings,” the minister said.