Minister Anušić meets with Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria on defence initiatives and security challenges

Today, on 5 May 2025, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić met at the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia with Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria, H.E. Iva Nikolaeva Kruleva.

During the meeting, the strengthening of defence cooperation between Croatia and Bulgaria was discussed, with emphasis on the area of joint training in achieving the Capability Objectives, military training and scientific cooperation. They also discussed the situation in Ukraine, the ReArm EU initiative and the security situation in Southeast Europe.

Both sides emphasized the importance of joint efforts in strengthening regional security and stability.

Minister Anušić stressed the importance of defence cooperation between Croatia and Bulgaria, which is carried out in accordance with mutual needs. The cooperation includes joint training, military education and scientific cooperation and it is implemented through the International Centre for Special Air Forces Training at Zemunik, of which Bulgaria is one of the members. The Minister emphasized that he will continue to develop the CAF capabilities, with further modernization projects and planning greater investments in defence, in order to respond to challenges of the security environment and possible future threats: “Investing in defence is not an expense, but investment in our security. Croatia understands this and we have already reached the allocation of 2% of GDP for defence this year. By 2027, we plan to reach the allocation of 2.5% of GDP, of which 35% will be earmarked to equipping and modernization with the aim of continuing this trend.”

Ambassador Kruleva thanked Minister Anušić for the reception and expressed Bulgaria’s readiness to further deepen cooperation with Croatia at all levels, especially in the context of joint defence initiatives and projects.