Croatia is a role model

Berlin (dpa) – Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has embarked on his inaugural visit with Germany’s EU and Nato partner Croatia and was received by his Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlic Radman in Zagreb (photo). Planning provides for Wadephul to also meet with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic today. Among other topics, the talks are to focus on joint support for Ukraine, security and defence in Europe, and EU trade policy. 

Wadephul describes Croatia as a role model and bridge builder for its neighbouring EU accession candidates.  

“Croatia is well aware of the challenges and opportunities involved. This is why I would like for Croatia to take on an active role in the Western Balkan states’ accession process,” the minister said.  

Croatia joined the EU in mid-2013, making the country the EU’s most recent addition. EU accession negotiations with Montenegro and Serbia have been underway since 2012 and 2014, respectively. Negotiation processes with Albania and North Macedonia started in 2022. Bosnia-Herzegowina was granted the status as an accession candidate, but no negotiations have taken place to date. Kosovo is considered a potential accession candidate.