Germany and Croatia see the major European challenges from the same vantage point, stressed Chancellor Angela Merkel during the inaugural visit of Croatia’s new Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to the Federal Chancellery. The two governments have the same views on European migration policy and on the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

German support for Croatia

At the joint press conference, the Chancellor said she is happy that Croatia has now prioritised the financial and economic policy agenda. "That is important and it is good for the people of Croatia." Germany will continue to provide support in this context, said Angela Merkel.

The Chancellor continued that relations between Germany and Croatia are excellent. The numerous Croats living in Germany build a bridge between the two countries. She also pointed out that Germany was one of the first countries to support Croatia’s independence and the country’s accession to NATO in 2009.

Important contribution to economic development

Angela Merkel emphasised that a large number of the companies registered with the German-Croatian Chamber of Industry and Commerce – 380 in total – are making an important contribution to economic development in Croatia. These companies provide 80,000 jobs in Croatia, which is equivalent to ten per cent of all private-sector jobs.

Germany is Croatia’s principal trading partner. In addition to major investments by German businesses including DAX-listed companies, numerous small and medium-sized German companies have set up subsidiaries in Croatia. With two million Germans visiting Croatia every year, they make up the largest group of foreign tourists. In 2015, the number of German tourists increased by 6.8 per cent compared with the previous year.

Process of the Western Balkans Conferences

Prime Minister Andrei Plenković is a staunch advocate of positive development across the entire Western Balkan region, said the Chancellor. She reported that they had discussed Bosnia and Herzegovina in depth, and the need to support this country on its road to the EU. The strong commitment felt towards the development of all Western Balkan states was pivotal in the launch of the process of the Western Balkan Conferences in 2014, explained Angela Merkel.