May the 8th, 2026 – Croatia and Germany are growing ever closer as they strengthen their alliance and cooperation with an extensive plan signed until 2030.
Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman was recently in Berlin, where he met with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul. The two signed a Joint Declaration on Enhanced Cooperation between Croatia and Germany, along with an accompanying Action Plan for the period 2026-2030.
croatian-german relations will intensify
“Today, we signed a joint action plan with a corresponding list of projects from 2026 to 2030, taking into account new geopolitical circumstances and topics of common interest, focusing on energy, digitalisation and AI,” said Minister Grlić Radman after the meeting, before highlighting the importance of intensifying relations following the formation of Germany’s current government coalition exactly one year ago.
Both ministers addressed current global crises and their impact on Europe, ranging from the war in Ukraine to the crisis unfolding in Middle East and its negative effects on energy prices and the economy. They also touched on EU enlargement (Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova) with strong emphasis placed on respecting values, criteria, and merit-based approach for EU candidate countries.
the main areas of cooperation going forward
Multiple areas have been covered by the plan, including the economy and infrastructure with a firm emphasis on the shared usage of port infrastructure, with the ports of both Zadar and Rijeka mentioned.
Looking at the situation with defence, this cooperation will see the continuation of the modernisation of PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers and the joint procurement of Leopard 2A8 tanks.
The main focus areas for the new plan involve sectors engaged in energy, digitalisation and AI, the main focus areas in the new action plan. The pair also delved into strengthening capacities for protection of the EU’s external borders, in line with both EU and international law.
The Joint Declaration states that both the German and the Croatian governments, “facing the challenges of the modern age, confirm their desire and intention to strengthen their partnership and raise relations to a new level.”
Minister Grlić Radman also held meetings with German parliamentarians, including Armin Laschet (Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee) and Anton Hofreiter (Chairman of the European Affairs Committee).
