Plenković on Croatia's 13 years in the European Union: We are ahead by 21.3 billion euros

In a recent address marking the 13th anniversary of Croatia's accession to the European Union, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković emphasized the positive impact of EU membership on the country’s development, investments, and numerous projects. Speaking during a session of the government, he highlighted how the EU has provided Croatia with opportunities for growth that would have been significantly more challenging to achieve without such membership. He described the EU as part of the Western civilization circle where Croatia should belong, contrasting this view with critics who continuously oppose EU membership and the EU itself as a project.

Plenković noted that, considering both contributions to and withdrawals from the EU, Croatia is currently in surplus by €21.3 billion. He specifically mentioned that European funds have contributed €5 billion towards the reconstruction of areas affected by earthquakes in Croatia. This financial support underscores the tangible benefits of EU integration, particularly in terms of infrastructure recovery and development.

The prime minister also pointed out that Croatia has achieved its goals regarding deeper integration into the European area and the Schengen zone. He expressed concern over the current political climate, noting that consensus within the communication sphere and even the political space has become increasingly rare, replaced instead by political maneuvering, demagoguery, populism, and direct negative campaigns. Despite these challenges, he affirmed that democracy requires listening to all voices, not just those of demagogues.

Looking ahead, Plenković announced plans for a meeting of the Regional Development Council in Đakovo the following day. During this visit, he will meet with Bishop Đuro Hranic to sign an agreement concerning land issues. The agenda includes visiting a Roma settlement in Darda, opening a children's center in Ernestinovo, and inaugurating a sports hall in Korođ for the Hungarian national minority. Additionally, Culture and Media Minister Nina Obuljen Koržinek will attend the opening of the Đakovo Vezovi event, further highlighting the diverse range of activities planned for the occasion.

Turning his attention to economic matters, Plenković referenced new estimates from the State Statistical Office regarding consumer prices for June. He noted that inflation stood at 4.5 percent annually for that month, a decrease from May's rate of 5.2 percent. In the context of the gradual de-escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, he anticipates a continued easing of inflationary pressures. This outlook suggests a potential stabilization in economic conditions, which could influence policy decisions and public sentiment moving forward.

As Croatia continues to navigate its role within the EU, the government's emphasis on the benefits of membership serves as both a reaffirmation of its commitment to European integration and a response to internal dissent. With ongoing efforts to deepen integration and manage domestic political dynamics, the coming months will likely see continued focus on reinforcing Croatia's position within the broader European framework while addressing pressing economic and social challenges.