Minister Anušić at Information Day on the European Defence Fund
The Croatian Defence Industry Currently Has a Significant Opportunity for Further Economic Advancement, Investment and Job Creation in Areas Financed through the European Defence Fund, Minister Anušić Emphasised
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić participated today, on 14 April 2026, in the Information Day on the European Defence Fund (EDF), held in Zagreb.
The Information Day on the European Defence Fund was organised by the Croatian Defence Industry Competitiveness Cluster and the Croatian Employers’ Association. Representatives of defence industry companies were presented with funding opportunities available through the Fund, as well as mechanisms to support research, development and interoperable defence capabilities.
Minister Anušić highlighted that such opportunities do not arise often, and that Croatia – namely its defence industry – now has a major opportunity for further economic progress, investment and job creation in sectors financed by the European Defence Fund.
“Croatia has the potential, the people and the expertise, and we also have experience in utilising EU funds. In the current uncertain security environment, we must draw lessons from the war in Ukraine, as well as from developments in the Middle East, just as others have learned from the experience of our Homeland War. Such an experience of aggression must never be repeated. Therefore, we must strengthen our defence capabilities, create opportunities for young people, and enhance the security and capabilities of the Croatian Armed Forces,” Minister Anušić said.
“Croatian companies have already positioned themselves as innovative and capable of delivering advanced technological solutions that are sought after on global markets. The Ministry of Defence stands at your disposal—please feel free to contact us, submit your proposals, and you will continue to have our full support,” the Minister stressed.
Director General of the Croatian Employers’ Association Irena Weber emphasised: “Croatia has a strong and innovative defence industry, with excellent solutions in the fields of artificial intelligence, cyber security and advanced technologies. Modern defence is no longer built solely in barracks and factories, but in laboratories, research centres, the ICT sector and through innovative solutions originating from other industries. If we want strong defence, we must have a strong and innovative industry.”
President of the Croatian Defence Industry Competitiveness Cluster Goran Basarac stated: “The European Defence Fund represents an opportunity for the Croatian defence industry to participate in European research and development projects and to become part of the EU’s strategic value chains.”
As part of the Information Day on the European Defence Fund, a cooperation agreement was signed on the project “Modernisation of an Anti-Tank Mine” between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia and Agency Alan.
The European Defence Fund is a key financial instrument of the European Union aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the European defence industry, as well as fostering cooperation among Member States in the field of defence research and capability development. Approximately EUR 8 billion has been allocated for the period 2021–2027 to support projects across more than 30 thematic areas.
