State Secretary for Political Affairs Frano Matušić participated in the Budapest Balkans Forum on March 13, 2025, organized by the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs.
The conference focused on the current geopolitical context and the various challenges facing the Western Balkans. Special attention was given to the region’s integration into the European Union, its economic future, and the overall EU enlargement policy.
During the panel discussion titled “Bridging the Divide: The Western Balkans as the EU and NATO’s Strategic Security Anchor,” State Secretary Matušić reaffirmed Croatia’s strong support for the Western Balkans on their path toward deeper Euro-Atlantic integration. He emphasized that this process requires a commitment to comprehensive reforms, strong political will, and openness to improving relations with neighbouring countries. Additionally, he stressed that the full implementation of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy is not merely a technical aspect of European integration but a strategic necessity. He also highlighted the attempts at destabilization and hybrid campaigns in the Western Balkans, some of which specifically target members of the Croatian community.
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