In a recent meeting held in Brussels, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković expressed confidence that Croatia will continue to receive sufficient funding from the European Union under the new multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the period 2028–2034. Speaking after the conclusion of the European Council summit, where leaders engaged in their first round of discussions about the specific amounts allocated in the upcoming MFF, Plenković emphasized that there would be enough resources for Croatia and that these funds would remain a crucial tool for its development. He stated that he was certain a compromise would be reached, noting that this would be the largest budget ever agreed upon and that Croatia would benefit accordingly.
Plenković addressed concerns raised by some individuals in Croatia who have been spreading fear among citizens that EU funding might decrease. He dismissed such claims as unfounded, stating that the EU budget would continue to serve as a lever for development, allowing Croatia to catch up with more advanced countries. He also urged those spreading misinformation to be more reasonable, adding that while Croatia currently maintains a polite stance, it would become more assertive if necessary.
The discussion around the MFF has traditionally been marked by intense debates between two opposing approaches. One group of countries, primarily net contributors to the EU budget, advocates for a smaller overall budget but with increased allocation for new priorities such as economic competitiveness, defense, and security. The other group, which receives more than it contributes, prefers maintaining current levels of funding for traditional policies, including agriculture and cohesion, and seeks alternative sources of revenue to fund new initiatives.
Despite these differences, Plenković described the atmosphere during the discussions as "cooperative" and expressed belief that a compromise would eventually be found. He mentioned that new resources would be secured to support areas such as enhancing economic competitiveness, ensuring security, addressing migration challenges, tackling climate change, energy policy, and strengthening the EU’s defense capabilities. According to him, once all needs on the expenditure side are clearly defined, ways must be found—through national contributions and exploring new income sources—to finance these policies, and he believes a compromise will ultimately be achieved.
Croatia's position emphasizes the importance of maintaining funding levels for traditional policies, particularly cohesion and agricultural policies, so that newer member states can catch up with more developed nations. This approach aims to ensure that less economically developed countries can keep pace with their more advanced counterparts within the EU.
During the summit, Plenković also had bilateral meetings with the newly elected Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar and the newly elected or returning Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša. In both cases, he expressed a desire to maintain good neighborly relations and resolve open issues. These meetings were seen as timely given that this was the first European Council meeting since their elections, providing an opportunity for preparatory discussions at the ministerial level before future meetings at the prime ministerial level.
Regarding the controversial topic of potential communication with Russia, Plenković downplayed the significance of efforts made by the office of the President of the European Council to establish contact with Russia. While some members strongly oppose such moves, others argue for maintaining open channels of communication. Plenković viewed the actions of the external political advisor of the President of the European Council, Antonijo Coste, conducting one or two phone calls as entirely natural and normal under the circumstances.
These developments highlight the ongoing negotiations and tensions surrounding the EU's future financial strategy, reflecting broader geopolitical considerations and internal divisions within the bloc. As the discussions progress, the outcome will likely shape not only the immediate financial landscape for member states but also influence long-term strategic directions for the European Union.
5 reports
Novi listIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 7519 days agoCroatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated during an EU summit in Brussels that Croatia will continue to receive sufficient funding from the European Union under the new multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. He emphasized that the EU budget would remain a development lever for Croatia, allowing the country to catch up with more developed nations. Plenković addressed concerns raised by some individuals in Croatia who claim the EU will reduce funding, stating that such claims are unfounded and urging them to be more reasonable. The summit focused on discussions about balancing two competing approaches to the MFF: maintaining funding for traditional policies like agriculture and cohesion versus allocating resources to new priorities such as economic competitiveness, defense, security, migration, climate change, and energy. Plenković expressed confidence that a compromise would be reached, ensuring support for both existing and emerging needs within the EU.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of Plenković’s statements and the broader EU discussions without overtly favoring any side. It includes direct quotes from the prime minister and contextualizes the debate over the MFF without editorializing or using biased language.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): Highly factual with precise reporting of Plenković’s comments and the EU budget discussion. Maintains neutrality better than others, though still includes some emotionally charged language regarding those 'plaše narod'.
tportalIndependentCenterFactual 88Objective 7219 days agoCroatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković expressed confidence that Croatia will receive sufficient funding from EU funds under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, despite ongoing negotiations among EU member states over the allocation of resources. He addressed concerns raised by some in Croatia who claim there will be less EU funding, emphasizing that the EU budget remains a crucial development lever for catching up with more advanced countries. The discussions at the EU summit focused on reconciling two opposing approaches: maintaining current levels of funding for traditional policies like agriculture and cohesion, versus increasing support for new priorities such as economic competitiveness, defense, security, migration, climate change, and energy. Plenković noted the atmosphere during the talks was 'cooperative' and predicted a compromise would be reached. He also mentioned bilateral meetings with Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Plenković’s statements and positions objectively, without overtly favoring any side in the debate over EU funding allocations. It includes direct quotes from him and outlines both his arguments and the broader context of the EU negotiations, providing balanced coverage of the MŠ
Why these scores (Factual 88 · Objective 72): Accurate reporting of Plenković’s quotes and context. The article maintains consistency with other sources but uses slightly more emotive language when discussing those who 'plaše narod', reducing objectivity.
Večernji listIndependentCenterFactual 87Objective 7119 days agoCroatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković addressed concerns within Croatia about potential reductions in EU funding during a summit discussing the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034. He assured that sufficient funds would still be allocated to Croatia and emphasized that the EU budget would continue to serve as a development lever for catching up with more advanced countries. Plenković criticized those spreading fear about reduced EU funding, urging them to be more reasonable. The summit involved intense debates between two groups of member states: net contributors who want a smaller overall budget with increased allocation for new priorities like competitiveness, defense, and climate change, and net beneficiaries who prefer maintaining current funding levels for traditional policies such as cohesion and agriculture while seeking alternative funding sources for new initiatives. Plenković expressed confidence that a compromise would be reached, ensuring support for both existing and emerging priorities.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the discussions at the EU summit, quoting Plenković directly and outlining the positions of different member states without overtly favoring any side. It includes his assurances to Croatian citizens and mentions opposing viewpoints regarding communication渠道
Why these scores (Factual 87 · Objective 71): Consistent with other articles in reporting Plenković’s remarks and the EU budget debate. Objectivity is slightly lower due to the use of phrases like 'kad pretjeraju onda ćemo biti malo grublji', which can be seen as provocative.
Net.hrIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7019 days agoCroatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković addressed concerns during an EU summit in Brussels regarding the new multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. He assured that Croatia would continue to receive sufficient funding from the EU, emphasizing that the MFF would remain a development lever for the country. Plenković criticized those who spread fear among Croats about potential cuts in EU funds, stating that the EU budget would still support Croatia’s progress while urging critics to be more reasonable. The discussion at the summit focused on balancing traditional funding areas like agriculture and cohesion with new priorities such as economic competitiveness, defense, security, migration, climate change, and energy. Plenković expressed confidence in finding compromises and securing resources for these new priorities through national contributions and alternative revenue sources. Additionally, he downplayed concerns over attempts by the European Council president’s office to establish contact with Russia, calling such communication efforts natural under current circumstances.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of Plenković's statements and the broader EU discussions without overtly favoring any side. It includes direct quotes from the prime minister and contextualizes the debate around the MFF, providing both his assurances and the competing interests within the EU.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): Factual accuracy is high as it reports Plenković’s statements accurately and aligns with cross-source consensus. However, the phrase 'kad pretjeraju bi ćemo grublji' contains some subjective phrasing that may imply judgment, affecting objectivity.
Jutarnji listIndependentCenter19 days agoCroatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated during a European Union summit in Brussels that Croatia will continue to receive sufficient funding under the new multiannual budget for the period 2028–2034. He emphasized that the EU budget would remain a development lever for Croatia, allowing the country to catch up with more developed nations. Plenković addressed concerns raised by some in Croatia who claim the EU will reduce financial support, stating that such claims are unfounded and urging those spreading fear to be more reasonable. The summit focused on reconciling two opposing approaches to the budget: maintaining funding for traditional policies like agriculture and cohesion versus allocating resources to new priorities such as economic competitiveness, defense, security, migration, climate change, and energy. Plenković expressed confidence that a compromise would be reached, ensuring funding for both existing and emerging needs. He also downplayed discussions about potential contact between the European Council and Russia, noting that while some member states oppose this, others believe open communication channels are necessary.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of Prime Minister Plenković’s statements regarding the EU budget negotiations, including his responses to domestic concerns and the broader political dynamics within the EU. There is no evident bias in the framing, sourcing, or emphasis, as it reports directly
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