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EU enlargement and its geopolitical dimension: Foreign Minister Wadephul visits Croatia
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul meets his Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlić Radman © Photothek Media Lab
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is travelling to Zagreb today. His talks while visiting our European partner will focus on the European Union’s trade and competitiveness, as well as EU enlargement.
Foreign Minister Wadephul is travelling to Zagreb today for his first official visit to Croatia. The main focus of the trip will be talks with his Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlić Radman and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. Foreign Minister Wadephul will also be the guest of honour at the Croatian conference of ambassadors, where he will deliver a speech to the members of Croatia’s Foreign Service.
Prior to his departure, Foreign Minister Wadephul emphasised the close ties between Germany and Croatia:
Croatia is more than a close and reliable partner for Germany – it is a role model for European integration. Croatia’s successful accession to the EU showed how willingness to undertake reforms, determination and courage can change a country and provide people with a sense of opportunity. Germany and Croatia are now closer than ever before. Over the last ten years, our bilateral trade with Croatia increased more than with any other EU member.
At a time when free global trade is under pressure, it is critical that we have a strong EU single market.
For a strong EU – prosperity, trade and security
The talks in Zagreb will cover a wide range of European policy topics, ranging from foreign and security policy to support for Ukraine and European trade policy.
Croatia plays a special role in this respect. As the most recent country to join the EU, it is able to contribute valuable European policy insights, not least regarding key issues such as defence and security. Croatia is an active member of NATO and is also a reliable partner when it comes to ensuring that support is provided to Ukraine.
Economic ties between Germany and Croatia have become a role model for the EU single market in recent years. For commuters, businesspeople and the many tourists from Germany who travel to Croatia each summer to visit its coastal region, the advantages of open borders thanks to the country’s membership of the Schengen area are both a real accomplishment and a much appreciated everyday reality.
The promise of EU enlargement
Another focus of the visit is Croatia’s role as a bridge-builder in the EU enlargement process. The country itself is an impressive illustration of successful European integration. Croatia’s willingness to implement reforms and its rapid development have shown the extent to which strict alignment with European values such as the rule of law and fundamental rights can pay off. Not only does Europe have the largest single market in the world, but the EU holds out the promise of a life in security, prosperity and freedom, which also inspires hope in Croatia’s neighbouring countries that are candidates for membership.
In addition, the German Government sees EU enlargement as a response to current geopolitical challenges. In light of Russia’s war of aggression and the rise of great power rivalry, EU enlargement is an investment in peace, security and stability. This is why Germany strongly supports the prospect of accession of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and the countries of the Western Balkans.
Croatia and its expertise play a key role in the EU enlargement process. The country’s experience and credibility make it an indispensable mediator, and Germany believes that Croatia plays a vital role in fostering EU enlargement. We want to work together to ensure that swift progress is now made in the enlargement process. Within the EU, Croatia stands to benefit most from this.