Minister Anušić: Europe Increases Security and Strengthens Defence Industry
Minister Anušić Participates in Meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić participated today in a meeting of defence ministers of NATO member states held in Brussels, Belgium. The meeting was the final ministerial gathering ahead of the NATO Summit scheduled to take placein Ankara in early July. The main topics discussed included strengthening Allied deterrence and defence, continued support for Ukraine, and the development of a stronger Europe within NATO—particularly in light of adjustments to the U.S. military presence in Europe.
“Defence spending is crucial, as are the commitments we undertook at the previous summit in The Hague. These include the minimum target of two per cent of GDP for defence, which Croatia has already achieved, as well as the broader agreement on continued support for Ukraine,” Minister Anušić stated after the meeting. He added that Croatia currently invests more than two per cent of GDP in defence, with plans to increase this to three per cent by 2030.
Minister Anušić also commented on the address delivered by the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth.
“I support the view that Europe must play a greater role and assume greaterresponsibility for its own security. In the past, Europe relied significantly more heavily on the United States, but it has now awakened and is developing its defence policy, strengthening its defence industry, and investing broadely in measures that make Europe safer and more autonomous. Croatia is following this European momentum, and the remarks that were made were certainly not directed at Croatia,” the Minister said.
Regarding a possible reduction of the U.S. military presence in Europe, Minister Anušić stated that the United States had informed European partners in advance of its intention to adjust its strategic focus, thereby allowing suffcient time for preparation.
Minister Anušić is also participating today in a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG). Croatia remains firmly committed to providing sustained and resolute support to Ukraine.
