Minister Anušić meets with Norwegian Ambassador: United by a shared commitment to European security

On 16 April 2025 Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić held a meeting with His Excellency Arne Sannes Bjørnstad, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, at the Croatian Ministry of Defence in Zagreb.

Discussions focused on defence and military-technical cooperation, ongoing equipment and modernisation projects, and the current security environment in Southeast Europe.

Although defence cooperation between Croatia and Norway is currently limited, both sides affirmed their shared interest in strengthening European and global security. The last bilateral meeting between the two defence ministers was held in 2009, and both parties expressed a commitment to revitalising and expanding their defence relationship.

Minister Anušić outlined current equipment procurement and modernisation projects aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Croatian Armed Forces.

“The disrupted security architecture in Europe has further motivated us to accelerate modernisation projects within the Croatian Armed Forces and plan increased defence investments. This year, we have already reached a defence spending level of two percent of GDP, with plans to increase this to two and a half percent by 2027. Of this, 35 percent will be allocated to equipment and modernisation, supported by a credible long-term plan,” he said.

Ambassador Bjørnstad emphasised the mutual desire to intensify defence cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations.