April the 29th, 2026 – Trump’s Minister Chris Wright has claimed that the so-called “golden era” of Croatia-USA relations is upon us, particularly in the field of energy.
As tportal writes, Croatia has been hosting a two-day summit meeting and economic forum of the Three Seas Initiative down in Dubrovnik. It brought together numerous politicians and businessmen, including US Energy Minister Chris Wright.
In an interview with Dnevnik Nova TV reporter Ivana Petrović, Wright claimed that Croatia-USA relations had entered what he called a “golden era”, emphasising various energy projects, regional cooperation and Croatia’s geopolitical importance. Speaking about the Southern Gas Interconnection, a project that connects Croatia and neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina with the support of the USA across the pond, Wright emphasised that it is a real turning point.
“It’s a historic achievement to sign such an agreement on energy interconnection between Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States of America. This will bring energy to this corridor, transform the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, create jobs and further connect this entire region,” claimed Minister Wright.
energy as a matter of economy and security
When asked if American interests in the project are purely economic ones, Wright replied that they are both economic and strategic. “American energy policy is primarily based on the belief that energy creates prosperity, peace and national security,” he said. Commenting on allegations that the European Commission had tried to delay the agreement, Wright said that there were different approaches to energy policy within Europe.
“Unfortunately, we’ve seen opposition from some Western European countries that continue to advocate for reducing energy consumption. On the other hand, the United States and Central and Eastern European countries want more energy, lower prices and more opportunities,” he said, before adding that he believes that restrictive approaches are simply not sustainable in the long term.
Croatia as the energy hub of the region
Speaking about Pantheon, a large American investment, Wright stressed that Croatia has the potential, but also the need for additional development of energy infrastructure.
“Croatia has excellent infrastructure for importing energy, but it can be further expanded,” he said, adding that plans to expand gas and oil import capacities are being considered. According to him, Croatia has the opportunity to become a regional energy hub, supplying not only Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also Serbia, Hungary, Slovenia, Montenegro and Albania.
is this the “golden era” of croatia-usa relations?
Wright particularly emphasised that the relations between the two countries are at a historic turning point.
“Over in the United States, we’re investing in the transport of natural gas, oil and nuclear technology to Croatia. Croatia is a country on the move, which wants to secure energy for its own needs, but also develop infrastructure for exports to the region,” he said, adding that by “golden era” he means huge investments, strengthening energy ties and creating a regional hub that will connect the entire region,”
america’s meddling, the Strait of Hormuz and disrupted global markets
Commenting on the dramatic rise in oil prices and the dire situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Wright said that the United States has already taken measures to stabilise the market. “The United States has coordinated the release of strategic oil reserves and is recording record energy exports,” he claimed, noting that he believes the current disruption is temporary and related solely to current geopolitical tensions.
When asked about the role of the United States in stabilising European energy markets, Wright highlighted the increase in American exports. “Exports of liquefied natural gas, crude oil and fuels are growing. We’re trying to encourage our partners in Europe to think about increasing, not reducing, energy capacities,” he said.
Trump’s minister concluded by thanking Croatia for its hospitality and said that he expects to continue to strengthen this so-called “golden era” of Croatia-USA relations.
