The support emanating from the White House toward its allies has been increasingly unpredictable since the start of the second Trump administration. This shift has prompted many European leaders to question the strength of the US’ commitment to transatlantic solidarity.
In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković underscored the importance of sustained US engagement in European affairs and institutions such as NATO.
“I think that the United States should stay committed to Europe, to the transatlantic partnership in being a factor of stability and peace on our continent,” Plenković said.
“And of course, to underscore the importance of NATO, because NATO has been a guarantor of collective security, for 75 years and I believe it should continue to be so.”
Despite concerns about wavering US policy, Plenković expressed confidence in NATO’s current trajectory. He pointed to increased defence spending across the alliance, including Croatia’s own investments.
Not only the US military equipment
When asked about NATO’s stability, Plenković believed it was on the right path as many countries have fulfilled the pledge of defence spending, like Croatia, which is investing 2.1% of its GDP and 30% of modernisation, and it desires to invest even more in defence equipment.
Croatia has notably broadened its procurement strategy to include both American and European military technologies, aiming to enhance interoperability and long-term resilience.
“We are also working very much on the procuring European defence equipment, not only the American equipment, but we’ve been in the process from eastern to western military technologies and we have so far increased our budget for defence more than three times,” Plenković explained.
“The idea is to multiply it even more in the years to come and I think that the new white paper on defence, new instruments that the European Union has been preparing are strengthening our strategic autonomy and our capabilities and interoperability within the European Union,” he added.
Croatia recently completed its squadron of 12 French Rafale fighter jets, bolstering its air defence capacity. The Adriatic country has also provided €300 million in military assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbour in early 2022 — a move Plenković says was done both in defence of Ukraine and as part of a broader stand for European freedom.
No objective to endanger anyone
In a recent regional development, Croatia, Albania and Kosovo signed a defence agreement aimed at boosting military capacity, advancing technology, and improving interoperability through joint training.
“This agreement has no objective to endanger anyone. Neither did we feel threatened by anybody else, so this narrative that was echoed after this agreement was signed was, in our view, false and unnecessary,” Plenković said.
The trilateral deal, however, has sparked criticism from Serbia, which does not recognise Kosovo’s independence. Serbian officials accused Albania and Croatia—both NATO members—of fueling an “arms race” in the Balkans. This comes as Serbia and Hungary have signed a deal of their own to strengthen military cooperation. Plenković does not see this as “any type of threat to Croatia.”
Enlargement versus foreign influence
Plenković emphasised the necessity of respecting national borders and legal norms within Europe, citing the EU integration process as a vital unifier for the continent. “European path is the glue for functioning of all the countries in the right direction and also for the reforms and the benefits for the citizens.”
He further highlighted trust and dialogue as essential to maintaining European stability. “This is in our view, essential and to have a sincere dialogue and build trust. Without building trust and continuous dialogue, there is always a chance for destabilisation.”
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