Minister Anušić addresses modernisation of the landing craft Cetina, NATO cooperation with Finland, and trilateral security cooperation with Albania and Kosovo

On 16 April 2025, during the 83rd session of the Croatian Government, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić presented a proposal for a government decision concerning the modernisation of the Croatian Navy landing craft DBM-81 Cetina. He also introduced draft conclusions regarding the Finnish Government’s Statement of Intent on NATO operations, activities and exercises, as well as a draft conclusion on the Joint Declaration adopted by Albania, Croatia and Kosovo in Tirana.

Modernisation of Croatian Navy landing craft DBM-81 Cetina

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić presented a proposal for a Decision granting prior approval to the Ministry of Defence to assume obligations against the 2026 State Budget, for the purpose of modernising the Croatian Navy landing craft DBM-81 Cetina.

“The vessel, part of the Croatian Navy fleet, is to be modernised under a contract with the selected contractor, with a total value of €3,950,674.58. The works are scheduled to be completed by 2026, with payments to be made in instalments throughout 2025 and 2026,” he said. In accordance with the provisions of the Budget Act, the Government adopted the Decision granting prior approval to the Ministry of Defence to assume obligations against the 2026 State Budget, amounting to €236,051.58, specifically for the modernisation of Cetina. The Minister noted that the necessary funds have already been allocated within the 2025 State Budget and projected in the Ministry of Defence’s financial plan for 2026 and 2027.

Ongoing Croatia–Finland cooperation within NATO

Defence Minister Ivan Anušić also presented a proposal for the Government to formally acknowledge the Declaration of Intent issued by the Government of the Republic of Finland concerning its participation in NATO-led operations, exercises, and related military activities within the Republic of Croatia.

“This declaration, signed on 24 February 2025 in Mons by the Governments of Croatia and Finland, builds upon the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding. As a NATO member, Finland reaffirms its intention to provide host nation support and to assume financial and other responsibilities in Croatia, as defined in the memorandum and subject to the limitations outlined in the declaration,” said Minister Anušić. He clarified that the Declaration of Intent does not constitute an international agreement under the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and does not create legal rights or obligations under that convention.

Accordingly, the Croatian Governmen adopted the conclusion acknowledging the aforementioned Declaration of Intent, thereby ensuring the continued development of cooperation and support within the NATO framework.

Trilateral security cooperation with Albania and Kosovo

Minister Anušić also presented a proposal related to the Joint Declaration adopted by Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo on 18 March 2025 in Tirana. He emphasised that the declaration confirms the shared commitment to strengthening trilateral defence and security cooperation, with the aim of enhancing stability in Southeast Europe and the Adriatic-Ionian region. “The signatories commit to bolstering defence capabilities, fostering industrial cooperation, improving interoperability through education, training, and joint exercises, and collaborating on countering hybrid threats. The declaration also expresses support for Euro-Atlantic integration and Kosovo’s full inclusion in regional security and defence initiatives, including its status within NATO’s Partnership for Peace,” said Anušić. The Joint Declaration was drafted in a spirit of friendship, solidarity and mutual trust. It reflects the shared strategic vision of the Republic of Albania, the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Kosovo,” said Minister Anušić. The Government endorsed the conclusion, thereby further strengthening regional cooperation and stability.

The decisions adopted at today’s session reaffirm the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Croatian Government to further strengthening national defence capabilities and deepening international and regional defence cooperation.