Mario Banožić na sjednici Vlade Republike Hrvatske | Foto: MORH/ M. Čobanović

The Government of the Republic of Croatia adopted the draft decision on deploying forces in the NATO Rapid Response Force

This decision is in line with Croatia’s national interests as a responsible NATO member, which continues to build international credibility and actively contributes to the Alliance’s collective defence.

At its session held on Thursday, February 24, 2022, the Government of the Republic of Croatia adopted the draft decision on the deployment of Croatian soldiers within the Joint High Readiness Force from the NATO Rapid Response Force.

Defence Minister Mario Banožić said that the decision to establish NATO Rapid Response Force was adopted in 2002 at the NATO Summit in Prague. At the NATO Summit in Wales in 2014, the allies decided to establish the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force. “It means that soldiers would be ready in a few days,” he added.

“To contribute to Euro-Atlantic security, the Republic of Croatia has recognized the importance of active participation in the High Readiness Joint Task Force and, according to its capabilities, announces the deployment of forces. Therefore, at the proposal of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, in 2015, the Croatian Parliament passed a decision on the possibility of engaging forces within the High Readiness Joint Task Force of the NATO Rapid Response Force,” said Minister Banožić.

“The Ministry of Defence and the General Staff of the CAF have analysed the possibility of deploying forces. This decision proposes the deployment of up to ten members of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia for engagement within the High Readiness Joint Task Force from the NATO Rapid Response Force in 2022 and 2023,” the Minister said.
This decision is in line with the national interests of the Republic of Croatia, a responsible member of NATO, which continues to build international credibility and actively contributes to the collective defence of the Alliance and the security of the Euro-Atlantic area.

The draft decision has been forwarded to President of the Republic of Croatia for adoption.