Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman participated on Friday, June 21, 2024, in the meeting of the European Union member states' Friends of the Western Balkans in Vienna. The minister attended the meeting alongside his colleagues from Southeast Europe. The Republic of Croatia once again confirmed its support for the Western Balkan countries on their path towards EU membership.
At today's meeting, a Declaration was adopted aimed at encouraging neighbouring countries on their European path, based on their own achievements, with an affirmation of shared values, the rule of law, and the strengthening of cooperation in the area of common foreign and security policy.
Discussions focused on economic cooperation, including the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The Republic of Croatia supports strengthening economic cooperation in the Western Balkans to reduce the economic gap. The entry of Southeast European countries into the Common Market will further stimulate investments and enable stronger economic growth and mutual cooperation.
For Croatia, transportation connectivity is particularly important, including road, air, and maritime infrastructure, as a foundation for economic development, increased employment, and innovation. The Republic of Croatia is also committed to increasing energy diversification in the region to better connect Central and Southeast Europe and achieve greater energy security. These countries are our key recipients of development aid and closest economic partners.
The Republic of Croatia supports the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans as a crucial part of the transformation of these countries on their European path.
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