State Secretary for Europe Andreja Metelko-Zgombić took part on 17 November 2025 in the meeting of the General Affairs Council, composed of ministers and state secretaries for European affairs, held in Brussels. The agenda included a discussion on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034, preparations for the European Council meeting of 18-19 December, the current state of EU-United Kingdom relations, a presentation of the European Commission’s 2026 Work Programme, and a debate on selected countries as part of the annual rule of law dialogue.
The Council exchanged views on the proposal for the future MFF 2028-2034, with a focus on Pillar 1 and the proposed national and regional partnership plans. Metelko-Zgombić underlined the importance of a future MFF that should deliver not only a more competitive and secure Union, but also a more convergent one, ensuring balanced growth and development of all its regions. In this context, Croatia advocates for greater visibility of Cohesion Policy, as well as of the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy, within the future MFF compared with the European Commission’s current proposal. These are fundamental policies of primary strategic importance for Croatia, which will therefore continue to argue for adequate funding for them in the upcoming negotiations. She also highlighted the need to maintain the n+3 rule for project implementation, as well as appropriate co-financing rates for regions that have moved from less-developed to transition or more developed categories.
The Council began preparations for the regular meeting of the European Council on 18-19 December by exchanging views on the draft agenda. The proposed topics include Ukraine, the Middle East, the MFF 2028-2034, enlargement, migration, and geoeconomics and competitiveness. While supporting the proposed topics, Metelko-Zgombić emphasized in particular the importance of ensuring continued comprehensive assistance to Ukraine, noting that the forthcoming legally sound and well-substantiated proposals for further financial support—soon to be presented by the European Commission—will be of special significance. With regard to enlargement, which Croatia stresses must be based on the individual merits of each candidate country, she welcomed the progress of Ukraine and Moldova noted in the recently published Enlargement Package. On the Western Balkan countries, she called for a stronger EU focus and engagement regarding security challenges in the region. She further underscored the importance of resolving the issue of the political inequality of Croats as one of the three constituent peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly concerning the election of members of the BiH Presidency.
The European Commission briefed the Council on the current state of relations between the EU and the United Kingdom, with particular reference to the implementation of existing agreements and ongoing discussions on strengthening cooperation in a number of areas, including the UK’s potential participation in selected programmes, following up on the agreements reached at the EU-UK summit held in May of this year.
In the Council’s exchange of views on the European Commission’s 2026 Work Programme, the state secretary welcomed the Commission’s focus on strengthening European competitiveness and security, further deepening the single market, and ensuring a fair green transition. She highlighted, among other priorities, the importance of implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum, continued efforts to reinforce the Energy Union, improving the position of farmers and rural communities, preserving the existing European social model, and the Commission’s work on addressing housing affordability. She also stressed the importance of continued work on strategic partnerships with third countries that contribute to international stability, where Croatia sees a significant role for the new Pact for the Mediterranean.
Based on the European Commission’s Rule of Law Report, the Council discussed findings relating to Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Ireland, and Germany within the framework of the annual rule of law dialogue. Metelko-Zgombić underscored the importance of the dialogue and expressed particular interest in the system of free legal aid in Ireland and judicial salaries in Germany.
On the margins of the Council, an Intergovernmental Accession Conference with Albania was held. The state secretary welcomed the opening of the final, fifth cluster (resources, agriculture/fisheries, and cohesion), highlighting in particular the need to protect the Adriatic Sea and the importance of implementing sustainable fishing measures. Following the opening of all negotiating chapters, she stressed the need for continued efforts to meet the benchmarks in individual chapters, especially the interim benchmarks concerning fundamental rights. She also welcomed Albania’s continued alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy as an important indicator of its geopolitical commitment. Croatia’s readiness to continue supporting Albania, including through sharing its own accession experience, was reaffirmed.
Press releases
