Slovakia and Croatia agreed on cooperation in promoting the priorities of both states in the upcoming multiannual financial framework (VFR) of the European Union for the years 2028-2034 in order to agree the best conditions in the cohesion and joint agricultural support. This was stated by the head of Slovak diplomacy Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD) after negotiations with the Croatian resort partner Gordan Grlič Radman on Wednesday in Zagreb, the special newsletter TASR informs.
According to Blanar, the main topic of the discussion was European issues focused on the area of cohesion and agricultural policy. Ministers agreed at the meeting to strengthen the road. “We realize that there is a lot of pressure on the creation of the VFR. This discussion is very important to us. We want to actively support the common agricultural policy and the settlement of conditions compared to Western countries, ”stressed the Slovak minister.
According to him, the SR has only 80 percent of direct payments of the European Union’s average to agriculture. “Here I also asked for support, and at the same time I informed the Minister that we were preparing a meeting of the countries of cohesion, which are associated with the EU,” he said, adding that such a meeting could take place in the fall.
In his view, it is also necessary to find a balance in addressing other challenges, including illegal migration or European defenses. Slovakia also supports Croatia in its efforts to become a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), He added the head of the Slovak diplomacy.Slovensko-Corvatian dialogue is, according to Blanar, at a very good level, which “reflects the exemplary care of national minorities by both states”.
He added that a growing trend has a mutual trade exchange, with Slovakia having a positive balance. “In recent years, the turnover has exceeded the historic limit of one billion euros, and today we have also talked about the possibilities of its further increase,” The Slovak minister. He also pointed out the important context of cooperation between Slovakia and Croatia in the energy sector, and according to him there is still the potential for deepening relations.
“After stopping the gas transit through the Ukrainian territory, our government did the maximum to ensure domestic consumption where I would like to thank our Croatian partners that we have the opportunity to take liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the terminals on the Krk Island, ”said Blanár. He added, however, that this is a more expensive option than the Russian gas, which is currently imported through the Turkstream pipeline. According to him, the restoration of gas through the Ukrainian territory remains a priority for Slovakia.
He also appreciated the cooperation of the Slovak and Croatian police especially during the summer season, when in Croatia the Slovak police forces provide assistance to citizens of the Slovak Republic. “I thanked, of course, for how they care for our Slovaks here in Croatia. We also try to create good conditions for Croats living in Slovakia, ”said the head of Slovak diplomacy was part of the delegation of the Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) as part of his official visit to Croatia.
