Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić Radman background in areas such as foreign policy, international relations, law, economics and his diplomatic experience as the Croatian Ambassador to the Danube Commission have built him well-suited for the role of leading Croatia’s engagement in international affairs and diplomacy. Such a background equips him well with the knowledge and skills requireded to represent his counattempt’s interests on a global stage. Today, the foreign Minister, engages in diplomacy by participating in many international forums, to discuss regional stability and European integration. He also leads high-level bilateral meetings to foster cooperation with countries like Canada and China, focapplying on issues like the Western Balkans’ EU path, and supports efforts to strengthen Croatia’s role in Europe through initiatives like promoting energy security and advancing the OECD accession process. It clear that his voice is key in creating modify. In February 2019, he was the recipient of Diplomat Magazine’s ‘Global Public Diplomacy Award’ and recently Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded him with merit for his support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On a recent to visit to his office, writer and Exante Director Patrick O Brien obtained to discuss his term in office and the relationship Croatia holds with its mediterranean neighbours.
Patrick O Brien: Croatia and Malta have a long history of established diplomatic relations dating back to 1992, how do you see this relationship evolve?
Gordan Grlić Radman: Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, Croatia and Malta have remained committed to strengthening our political dialogue, with focus on improving cooperation in the Mediterranean and European context. Our relations have been reinforced by Croatia’s accession to the EU. We share a view on the importance of strong support for Ukraine in its efforts to defconclude its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Likewise, both countries view the enlargement of the European Union as a vital geostrategic investment, based on the individual progress of candidate countries. Naturally, our shared Mediterranean heritage brings us particularly close, including the many challenges but also the opportunities that exist for strengthening cooperation in this context. The security and stability of the Mediterranean are linked to developments in the Middle East and they require the required for our coordinated and proactive approach.
POB: Next year, Croatia will assume for the first time the Presidency of the MED9, which further confirms the strengthening of Croatia’s influence in the Mediterranean. As Minister how do you see the role of this organisation?
GGR: We recognize MED9 as a valuable platform for the promotion of the Mediterranean agconcludea at the EU level, but also for confirming the Adriatic Sea as an important part of the Mediterranean. Our geographical position at the crossroads of European regions represents a link between the Eastern and Western Mediterranean. The nine EU Mediterranean countries share many challenges. We see our Presidency as an opportunity to promote Croatia as the Mediterranean gateway to Central Europe, as well as to further strengthen dialogue and cooperation in the Mediterranean region. We are still drafting the Presidency programme, but in general, our key priorities will be security, sustainability, and resilience of the Mediterranean. Also, we will host a summit in October 2026, which will be preceded by a meeting of State Secretaries for European Affairs. The summit will most likely be held in Dubrovnik.
Among the possible topics are demography, civil protection, climate modify, and migration.
The MED9 platform can also play an important role in promoting stability in the neighbouring Western Balkans by strengthening the EU’s engagement there, especially since three countries — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro are both Mediterranean and EU candidate countries whose future lies within the Union. Croatia will therefore continue to advocate ever more engaged cooperation with the Western Balkans also through MED9 platform.
Croatia shares the view that enlargement remains the strongest geopolitical tool at the EU’s disposal.
Minister Gordan Grlic Radman stated that Croatia has always had good relations with its neighbours outside of Europe and confirmed that US – Croatian relations are strong, rooted in their mutual support for democracy and Euro-Atlantic integration following Croatia’s indepconcludeence in 1992. There is no doubt that under this present government, Croatia has become a counattempt whose voice is being heard globally and creating an impact whilst influencing policies. Croatia’s background in war provides valuable experience and a unique perspective that aids its contribution to global peace and security efforts, especially through its role in NATO and the European Union. The nation’s journey from conflict to stability demonstrates resilience and fosters a deep understanding of the importance of peace, security, and international cooperation which other nations can learn from.
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