Minister Anušić: The Croatian Government and Ministry of Defence will continue to strongly support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic path

On 31 March 2025, Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić participated in the conference titled “Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina – The Foundation of Peace and Stability,” held at the Westin Hotel in Zagreb. The conference was organized by the coordinating body of local associations of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Znamen.

Minister Anušić addressed the topic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which, as he stated, has once again become a central issue in the political discourse of Croatia, Europe, and the wider international community: “Bosnia and Herzegovina, with all its specificities and complex history, continues to struggle in finding a path toward peace, stability, and prosperity for all its citizens. Today’s global circumstances, and particularly the policies currently being shaped by the world’s major powers, do not favour this outcome — they do not support the stabilization of Bosnia and Herzegovina, nor that of Southeast Europe and the broader Balkan region.”

Croatia is the only stable country and must take the lead in creating stability and policy

The Minister emphasized Croatia’s significant role in the current geopolitical situation, particularly within the region, stating: “In a time of political tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which — in the event of instability — could impact Southeast Europe, the Republic of Croatia has a renewed opportunity to be a regional player. This crisis presents a chance for Croatia to strengthen its position in relation to Southeast Europe — particularly in relation to Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania — as Croatia is today a member of both NATO and the European Union, unlike any of these countries.”

Speaking on the importance of ensuring stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Minister said: “We must make full use of our expertise, our experience, our political standing, and, more broadly, our geostrategic position — and begin taking active responsibility for the security of our borders. A stable and secure Bosnia and Herzegovina is a strategic interest of Croatia, as it is our neighbouring country. Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina share the longest land border, and Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to approximately 350,000 Croats.”

He added that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not only of historical significance to the Croatian people and state, or, more broadly, to everything that Croats do: “Bosnia and Herzegovina is not just a neighbouring country. Everything that happens there directly affects our economy and our national security,” the Minister said.

In conclusion, Minister Anušić emphasized the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s inclusion in democratic processes and its path toward joining the European Union: “In this initial stage, everyone must advocate for and contribute to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession to the European Union. The Croatian Government and Ministry of Defence will continue to strongly support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic path.”