Prime Minister Andrej Plenković (Photo: Vlada Republike Hrvatske)
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has reflected on the first working day of the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, highlighting Europe’s global positioning, transatlantic relations, peace initiatives, and Croatia’s growing influence within European institutions.
Speaking to the media, Plenković described the atmosphere in Davos as familiar and constructive, noting that the forum remains an important platform for discussions on international relations, economic conditions and global security.
Europe’s Role in a Changing Global Environment
Plenković participated in a panel titled “Redefining Europe’s Place in the World”, which focused on the dual pressures facing Europe – the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and emerging geopolitical initiatives involving Greenland, which affect Denmark and, by extension, NATO allies and EU member states.
He stressed that Europe must position itself carefully in these circumstances, advocating a balanced and rational approach towards the United States.
“The United States is our transatlantic partner, our ally and the backbone of NATO. Dialogue must prevail, as excessive rhetoric often creates more problems than solutions,” Plenković said.
Croatia’s position, he added, is clear: solidarity with Denmark and a reasonable, dialogue-based approach in relations with Washington.
Strengthening EU–US Relations and European Resilience
Addressing the issue of peace efforts in Ukraine, Plenković noted that initiatives aimed at reaching a peace agreement have involved all major EU countries, many of which are in direct and ongoing communication with US President Donald Trump or his team.
“No one can claim that communication channels between Washington and the European Union do not exist,” he said, adding that these ties must be further strengthened.
At the same time, Plenković emphasised the need to reinforce the European Union itself, particularly in security, economic resilience and energy independence.
He confirmed that relations between the EU and the United States will be the sole topic at Thursday’s European Council meeting.
Support for Peace Initiatives – With Due Process
Asked about expectations from President Trump’s address at the forum, Plenković said it was difficult to predict its content but welcomed Trump’s presence.
“It is important that he is here, that he sends clear messages and that we can better understand his priorities and how he intends to pursue them,” he said.
Plenković also referred to President Trump’s Board of Peace.
He expects President Trump to clarify this initiative, which initially referred to the implementation of peace and the revitalization of the Gaza Strip, and now appears to be a much broader scope of action that requires more time for analysis and possible decisions and consultations.
He considers it important that the European Union is united around this initiative.
He stressed that Croatia is in principle ready to support all initiatives that lead to peace, but anything that could be a kind of international agreement requires a certain procedure and consultations.
Bilateral Meetings in Davos
Alongside plenary sessions, Plenković held a series of bilateral meetings in Davos today.
(Photo: Vlada Republike Hrvatske)
He met with John Martinis, the American scientist of Croatian origin and 2025 Nobel Prize winner in physics, Damir Bogdan, Director of Quantum Basel Corp, and Alen Juginović, a Croatian neuroscientist from Harvard Medical School.
(Photo: Vlada Republike Hrvatske)
He also met Moldova’s newly elected Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, reaffirming Croatia’s strong support for Moldova’s European path. In light of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Plenković highlighted the importance of cooperation in energy security and countering hybrid threats.
In addition, he congratulated Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš on his re-election.
(Photo: Vlada Republike Hrvatske)
The two leaders discussed continued bilateral cooperation, with an emphasis on strengthening economic ties and investment, as well as the broader global security situation and EU–US transatlantic partnership.
Vujčić’s ECB Appointment a Recognition for Croatia
Plenković also commented on the election of Croatian National Bank Governor Boris Vujčić as Vice-President of the European Central Bank.
He described the appointment as a recognition of Vujčić’s long experience, he is currently the longest-serving member of the ECB Governing Council, as well as his personal credibility.
The Prime Minister highlighted the close cooperation between the Government and the Croatian National Bank, particularly during Croatia’s adoption of the euro.
He revealed that Croatia conducted a discreet but highly effective lobbying campaign at three levels, governors, finance ministers and heads of state or government, which resulted in the successful outcome.
Plenković described the appointment as significant not only for Croatia but also for Central and Eastern Europe, noting that this marks the first time someone from the region has joined the ECB’s Executive Board.
The final decision will be confirmed by the European Council in March, though Plenković said he does not expect any obstacles.
“This is an excellent message for Governor Vujčić, for Croatia, and recognition of the Croatian National Bank and our policies, particularly our efforts to preserve social cohesion during times of crisis,” he said.