Croatia advocates European values around the world

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Mr. Radman, the situation in Central and Eastern Europe becomes more and more critical. Do you think that Croatia is currently threatened by Russia or will be threatened in the future?

Gordan Grlić Radman: Russia may not pose a direct military threat to Croatia, but through its war against Ukraine, its aggressive ambitions, and its use of hybrid tactics, it is clearly a threat to the European security. We stand in full solidarity with the countries that feel directly threatened by Russia. But we also feel the impact of Russia’s actions in Croatia. Russia has officially placed Croatia, along with others, on its list of so-called “unfriendly countries”.

In 2022, we expelled several Russian diplomats because of illegal intelligence work. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, we have seen a sharp increase in cyber-attacks against Croatia – many of them linked to Russian intelligence. We are also seeing destabilizing activities in the Western Balkans coming from Russia and from its local partners. Their goal is to block the region’s path towards the West. That is against the interests of Croatia and against the interests of European security.

For instance, Russian media based in Serbia, like Sputnik, spread anti-western and anti-Croatian messages, while promoting a pro-Russian agenda. The Russian idea of a “Russian world” has also influenced the idea of a “Serbian world”, which tries to expand Serbian political influence in neighboring countries where Serbs live.

I believe these hybrid threats – such as disinformation, cyber-attacks and influence operations – will remain a serious problem in the years ahead. That is why we must continue to strengthen our ability to protect ourselves and respond.

Are the United States under Donald Trump still a reliable partner for Europe? What can Europe do if the United States cut the support for Ukraine, as already announced several time by Trump, Vance and Rubio?

GGR: Croatia has always been a strong advocate of transatlantic unity, grounded in mutual interest, and a common vision of global stability. We recognize that different U.S. administrations may bring different styles and priorities, but the foundation of the transatlantic relationship remains solid. Croatia will continue to invest in this partnership as a pillar of our security and foreign policy. The United States remain a key strategic partner for Croatia and for Europe.

If U.S. Support for Ukraine is reduced, Europe must not view it as a rupture in transatlantic unity, but as a signal to reinforce its own capacity to act – something that Croatia has long advocated. As a country that has experienced war and understands both the cost of conflict and the value of peace, Croatia believes that this is not a moment of crisis, but of strategic maturity for Europe. In that spirit, we are already stepping up.

Croatia will increase its defense budget to reach 5% of GDP, in line with that has been agreed at the recent NATO summit in Den Haag, demonstrating our full commitment to NATO readiness and European defense. Across the EU, Croatia and other member states are accelerating defense procurement, expanding military production, and investing in new initiatives to rearm Europe and strengthen deterrence.

This is not a test of loyalty between Europe and the United States – it is a test of Europe’s strategic vision and resolve. Croatia sees no contradiction between strengthening Europe’s capacity to act and maintaining close ties with Washington especially between the EU and NATO. On the contrary, a more capable and resilient Europe reinforces the transatlantic bond.

The “big” European countries don’t play any role in the international evolution. Talks are held in Istanbul, without European participation and wouldn’t it be much more credible if such negotiations were organized by a “small” country, like Croatia?

GGR: Croatia may be a small country, but we have shown time and again that size does not define impact. Just look at our sports teams – we regularly beat much bigger countries. It’s the same in diplomacy. Croatia is active, visible and respected. We are proud to punch above our weight.

We are also the only country in the EU today that is both a member of the Western institutions, EU, NATO, Schengen and Eurozone, and has a recent, direct experience of war, occupation, rebuilding and peaceful reintegration. That makes our voice unique and credible in global and European discussions.

Croatia also enjoys an excellent image around the world. We maintain close relations with countries around the world and have a reputation for being a fair and constructive partner – particularly among countries that value dialogue and respect. We do not carry the burden of colonialism, which helps us build trust with countries in the “Global South.” One example of this was Indian Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Zagreb earlier this month.

You just completed a tour in your neighbor countries Serbia, Albania and Montenegro, showing an example on how to spread the European idea in countries which have no stable political situation. What were the reactions in the countries you visited?

GGR: In Serbia, I met with government officials and visited the Croatian community. We spoke about minority rights, and I underlined Croatia’s support for dialogue and cooperation and unresolved issues like missing persons from the war.

In Montenegro, I was proud to attend the signing of the agreement that returns the cultural centre Josip Marković to the Croatian minority. That is a strong message of respect and good neighborhood relations and helps Montenegro make progress on their EU path.

In Albania, I took part in the summit of the South-East-European Cooperation process. We confirmed our joint support for peace, dialogue, and regional cooperation in security and economic matters.

In all visits, I saw that there is real interest in the European path. Their citizens want progress and reforms. Croatia is ready to help. Our own experience shows that it is possible, but criteria needs to be fulfilled and our European values need to be shared. As Croatia did, we expect the same from others.

When it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia strongly supports the country’s stability and European future. We continue to advocate for the equality of all three constituent peoples, especially for the rights of Croats as one of the founding nations of the country. Here, the Council of Europe can of assistance in respecting the power-sharing principles of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which Croatia is a guarantor.

We had our last interview together four years ago. We were talking about the very positive role which plays the highly visible Croatian delegation at the Council of Europe. What is the impact of the Croatian commitment for Europe in Croatia? Is the population aware of the positive involvement of Croatia in the European institutions?

GGR: Since becoming a member of the Council of Europe in 1996, Croatia has been actively involved in its work. Our experts have taken part in many important activities and have helped to promote the Council’s goals. Through constant dialogue with the Council, we have introduced many good reforms in the areas of human rights; democracy and the rule of law. These changes have had a real and positive impact on the lives of our citizens.

Croatia remains fully committed to its responsibilities in the Council of Europe. We follow a clear and steady approach in line with our wider European values, including respecting and upholding the European Convention on Human Rights and the decisions by the European Court of Human Rights.

The Croatian delegation at the Council of Europe puts a high stress on cultural exchanges, which corresponds to the basic statements of the “founding fathers” of Europe, such as Robert Schuman. In difficult times as today, culture is a very important topic – will Croatia continue to display this positive and constructive attitude in Strasbourg?

GGR: Unfortunately, we are facing serious threats to global security today. I believe the only way for Europe to move forward is by staying united. That was one of the main goals when the Council of Europe was created in 1949. In my view, the Council has helped our countries prepare for many of the serious challenges we face. Culture plays a key role in helping countries understand each other better.

When we have different or even conflicting views, the only solution is to return to the table and talk. We must always aim for honest, constructive discussions that lead people to peaceful, compromise-based solutions. For that to happen, we must fully respect one another. We must also show full and sincere respect for our shared values and international obligations – not just in words, but in actions. If we do not take this seriously, we risk losing our unity – and this is a direct risk to peace and security in Europe.

Mr. Radman, thank you very much for your time and this discussion!

This interview will be published in German and French language tomorrow and the day after.